The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) has guided company-community relationships for 25 years. At Ksapa, we’ve extensively applied these principles across diverse operational contexts. Recent projects from Brazil offers valuable insights for global implementation.
Brazil’s Security Challenge: A Critical Case Study
Brazil presents a complex security landscape with alarming trends. Police killings increased 200% between 2013 and 2023. Organized crime expanded territorially and economically, affecting 260 municipalities by 2024.
Companies face armed incursions, product theft, and heightened violence. Mining, oil, gas, and energy sectors encounter risks with indigenous communities. Contamination risks from leaks create environmental and safety concerns.
Key Implementation Lessons from Brazilian Experience
Strong regulatory frameworks don’t guarantee effective implementation. Brazil adopted international use-of-force principles but struggles with execution. Companies with higher VPSHR implementation showed better risk preparedness.
Multi-stakeholder engagement proves essential for addressing complex security challenges. Private security risks often go unrecognized by companies themselves. Civil society oversight provides crucial perspective on operational impacts.
Global Applications: Transferable Insights for Human Rights Protection
Brazil’s experience highlights universal implementation challenges across geographies. Territorial expansion of organized crime requires adaptive security strategies. Indigenous and traditional community engagement demands specialized approaches.
Multi-stakeholder working groups enable practical knowledge exchange and capacity building. Companies must address both action and inaction risks. Comprehensive risk assessment should include civil society perspectives for complete understanding.
Partner with Ksapa: Building Effective Human Rights Solutions
Ready to strengthen your human rights approach in complex operational contexts? Ksapa combines 25 years of VPSHR expertise with proven stakeholder engagement methods.
We design tailored remediation plans that address both security and community concerns. Our multi-stakeholder facilitation ensures all voices are heard and respected. Contact us to develop comprehensive human rights strategies for your operations.
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Author of several books and resources on business, sustainability and responsibility. Working with top decision makers pursuing transformational changes for their organizations, leaders and industries. Working with executives improving resilience and competitiveness of their company and products given their climate and human right business agendas. Connect with Farid Baddache on Twitter at @Fbaddache.
