Mozambique Accepted as an Engaged Member of the Voluntary Principles Initiative

In a significant stride towards upholding human rights in the extractive industries sector, the Mozambican government’s application to join the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) has been accepted during the VPI’s annual plenary meeting in Washington D.C. on 15 May 2024.

The VPI is a multi-stakeholder initiative of governments, multinational companies, and civil society organizations dedicated to ensuring that companies respect human rights when they operate in complex environments. Following the accession of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, today, Mozambique has pledged to actively participate in the Initiative and foster implementation of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs), committing to build an environment where the extractive industry operates in a framework of human rights due diligence, accountability, and respect for local communities.

Over the next 18 months, the government will develop a National Action Plan, laying out concrete strategies and initiatives to uphold the VPs on its territory and globally. The national VPs Working Group in Maputo and the Cabo Delgado  Working Group will be a critical support to this process, focusing on building cross-government capacities and buy-in, engaging companies that operate in the country, and strengthening capacities of civil society to monitor implementation. As Mozambique embarks on this transformative journey, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact that joining the VPI will bring to rights holders in Mozambique.

With the support of the Governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom, DCAF is partnering with the Mozambican civil society organization the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) to promote the VPs in the country, including by supporting the Mozambican government in realising its commitment to the VPI.

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