The Secretariat of the Chile Working Group, run by Fundación Empresas Indígenas

The Secretariat of the Working Group on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) in Chile is run by Fundación Empresas Indígenas. On its page about the group, the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) identifies the Foundation as the group's secretariat.

The Group's Secretariat

The Secretariat coordinates the work of the Group, a space for multi-stakeholder dialogue to promote the implementation of the Voluntary Principles in Chile.

What are the Voluntary Principles?

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights were created in 2000, through a dialogue among the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom, companies in the extractive and energy sectors, and non-governmental organizations. They guide companies in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that ensures respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and they fall into three categories: risk assessment, relations with public security, and relations with private security.

The Working Group in Chile

According to the launch announcement the Initiative published on 5 September 2024, its Steering Committee approved the creation of the working group in Chile in early 2024, after consultation with the members of the Initiative. On that day the Initiative formalized the launch of the group. The launch event took place in Santiago and brought together around 30 stakeholders, including representatives of mining and energy companies, government departments and civil society organizations.

The group seeks to facilitate the implementation of the Voluntary Principles through dialogue, capacity building and practical cooperation.

The Secretariat's functions

Fundación Empresas Indígenas organizes meetings, prepares technical documents, coordinates with participating stakeholders and supports the achievement of the group's objectives. It also promotes the Voluntary Principles in Chile, bringing together the efforts of government, companies and civil society.