Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights

Good morning to you all and welcome to Oslo to the 2009 Annual Plenary Meeting of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. A special welcome to the representatives  from the NGO PACT, the newest Voluntary Principles participant and to the delegate from the Government of Canada – our newest engaged government. Other guests here today include representatives from Colombia. A warm welcome to you also.

I shall soon let you start your deliberations, but allow me first to make a few points on how Norway sees the Voluntary Principles process, and what we believe are the main challenges ahead.
 
Being a small nation without significant economic or military might, Norway has always been convinced that our interests are best served by an international legal order. In other words, we want other states to behave in an orderly and predictable way. To us, protection and promotion of human rights is an integral part of such an international order. These ideals can be pursued for humanitarian reasons, but also because states that respect human rights tend to be good neighbours that honour their commitments, both to their own citizens and to other states.

Norway’s work to promote and protect human rights takes many forms. We are involved in the multilateral normative efforts of the United Nations, negotiating finely-tuned political compromises and adjusting the small print of resolutions. This is important work, because – over time – it provides the normative basis against which the conduct of states is measured.

We strive, however, also to do something practical about human rights challenges. This may be done within the UN framework, but we also have other partners, like you who at times take a more pragmatic approach. The Voluntary Principles is one multi-stakeholder initiative that we support. The EITI - The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative – is another. As many of you know, we are host to the international secretariat of the EITI, and we are pleased that some of the Secretariat staff will be joining you for lunch later today. Even though the Voluntary Principles and the EITI were established to meet different challenges, both initiatives deal with the extractives industry and involve governments, companies and civil society. There might be room for information-sharing on lessons learned, for instance on outreach efforts and developing governance structures. 

The point of departure for the Voluntary Principles is a very tangible human rights challenge. Our mission has been to prevent human rights abuses in conflict zones and other difficult environments where extractive companies operate. Our basis has been the shared belief that it is legitimate for companies to implement security safeguards. However, these safeguards must not be at the expense of human rights.

The Voluntary Principles are often referred to as a model of multi-stakeholder governance. In essence, we all bring different assets to the table. Governments bring political and diplomatic influence. Companies bring resources, dynamism and the ability to make a real difference on the ground, while civil society brings legitimacy and the determination to hold us all to our promises.

This combination of strengths is important for the Voluntary Principles. The sense of common purpose has enabled this process to be conducted on an informal basis. However, we have also experienced that an informal grouping of such diverse stakeholders is not easy to govern. Two years ago, prior to the plenary in Washington DC, we were able to resolve differences over the participation criteria. This year we have reached agreement on the Framework for Admission and Participation of New Governments. Norway welcomes this achievement and thanks all for their involvement. A special thank goes to Simon Zadek, the external facilitator of the process, for assisting us in our efforts.  A new part of the Voluntary Principles governance structure is now in place making it possible for new governments to get closer involved in the VPs. Details regarding governance will be discussed by participants tomorrow, and Norway encourages all to look forward and combine efforts to move the VP process forward.

Many feared that failing to find a compromise on the framework issue could have put the VP process in jeopardy. That might be so. It could also, I believe, have had repercussions outside the process, undermining general confidence in multi-stakeholder coalitions. I know that John Ruggie, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights and business, has been following the progress of the VPs closely. Norway has consistently supported his work within the UN framework, and we will shortly be hearing a message from him.

Now that the Framework for new governments has been resolved, we can engage in outreach activities to include more states in this initiative. We must also concentrate on delivery at country level. Many companies have made commendable progress, but much remains to be done, by companies and civil society alike, and indeed also by governments. You will be discussing this in detail later today.

I can assure you that Norway remains committed to the VP process. In January, the Norwegian Government launched its first white paper on corporate social responsibility in a global economy.  An English version of the introduction will be available later this spring. The white paper seeks to clarify the responsibility companies have with regard to human rights, decent working conditions, the environment and the fight against corruption. It sets out that the Government and the foreign service will intensify their efforts by enhancing advisory services, cooperation and dialogue with the business sector. Reference is also made to the Voluntary Principles, and all Norwegian companies, including those outside the extractive industry, are encouraged to consider implementing relevant parts of the VPs. Non-extractive companies in Colombia have set a good example in this respect, and we will be learning more about this process before lunch. This is a small, yet important, initiative to encourage more companies to engage in VP-related activities.

Finally, I would like to make a few comments on the financial crisis and its impact on corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. The ILO estimates that the crisis will cost 20 million jobs by the end of 2009. Irrespective of its causes, it is likely that the financial crisis will have a substantial impact on CSR efforts. The question is what form will this impact take? Who will win and who will lose? According to a poll run on the CSR International blog in October last year, 44% of CSR professionals believed that CSR will be strengthened by the crisis, 26% believe it may be affected either way, and 22% believe it will be weakened. This is a somewhat surprising result and may mask a more complex situation. I believe that the key factor is how deeply CSR is rooted in the organisation. Is it just a superficial philanthropic gesture?  Or is it an integral part of the company’s strategy? It is my impression that you who are here today are committed to corporate social responsibility and the Voluntary Principles, and I hope you will demonstrate this commitment in your work today and tomorrow here in Oslo and in your future endeavours.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all of you for your contributions to the VP process so far and wish you every success in taking the Voluntary Principles process forward.

Thank you.