The 2023 Plenary Meeting of the Voluntary Principles Initiative

It is the first year that I have photographed the conference because of a three year break during the pandemic.

The event provided a good platform for VPI Members, Observers, applicants, and invited guests to connect and build meaningful conversations around security-related human rights issues. Members of the VPI were represented at the Plenary by more than twenty corporations, seven governments, fourteen NGOs, and nine Observer institutions from around the world. Close to 150 people registered for one of more days of the event, making it the largest plenary held by the VPI.

Attendees had the opportunity to take part in training workshops on new tools and guidelines, fruitful multilateral meetings, and panel sessions on a variety of topics such as protecting the rights of Human Rights Defenders, engaging armed forces in VPSHR implementation, strengthening the performance of private security, and many more.

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights are an internationally recognized set of principles that guide companies on how to conduct their security operations while ensuring respect for human rights. To promote implementation of the Principles, the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) was created. The Initiative is comprised of over 60 Members and Observers, including companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations, that share best practices and mutually support the implementation of the principles.