VPI Membership Application Window is Open Until March 31, 2025
January 16, 2025 •
The Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) is currently receiving new Membership applications. Organizations interested in becoming a Member of the VPI need to submit their applications in writing by March 31, 2025, to applications@voluntaryprinciples.org. Applications should be submitted in English.
VPI Membership falls into three pillars: Corporate, Government, and NGO. There is also a category for Observer organizations such as international organizations and industry associations. At this time, individuals, consulting firms, security companies, and educational institutions are not eligible for Membership.
Applications are assessed during two annual windows, in March and September of each year, and are reviewed by the VPI Steering Committee, in consultation with Members. Applications received after the due date will be assessed in the following cycle. Please note that the typical successful application process takes several months (up to a year) from the window close date to acceptance.
Upon admission, the applicant will become an Engaged Member of the VPI. To be approved as Full Members, Engaged Members must fulfill certain requirements, including demonstrating their efforts to implement or support the implementation of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR).
Admission Framework for Each Member Category
To be considered for VPI Membership, applicants must show they meet the entry criteria for their category (i.e. Corporate, Government, NGO, or Observer). The Admission Frameworks provide further guidance on each category’s requirements and processes:
New Admission Process for Corporate Applicants
Please note that there are changes to the admission process of new corporate applicants. The new process will deepen the focus of applicants in understanding their security and human rights risks.
Under the new process, corporate applicants are now required to provide a summary risk assessment of their security and human rights risks in high-operational contexts, based on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR), the Implementation Guidance Tools (IGT), and additional guiding documents.
There is also a new threshold for applicants to become Engaged Corporate Members. An applicant is now required to meet a threshold of strong commitment to implement the VPSHR and demonstrate such commitment through efforts to align company policies and practices with human rights standards and conflict-sensitive business practices. The requirements include aspects such as assessing the applicant’s stated commitment to fully implement the VPSHR across all its operations; assessing indicators of the applicant’s efforts to implement the VPSHR such as training, risk assessment, and changes to human rights policies; the applicant’s demonstrated investment of adequate resources in VPSHR implementation; among others.
The changes to the admission process are part of a broader shift toward helping new and existing Members focus on better understanding and managing their security and human rights risks in operations in more complex and challenging environments. Other aspects of the Application process remain unchanged. The changes are reflected in the updated Framework of Admission of New Companies, available above.
Why Join the VPI?
As a multi-stakeholder initiative, the VPI fosters peer learning, collective problem-solving, and the sharing of best practices on security and human rights issues. By joining the VPI, your organization will have opportunities to engage with like-minded stakeholders, access specialized trainings, and collaborate with other Members to address security-related human rights challenges worldwide.
If you have any questions regarding VPI membership or the application process, please contact the VPI Secretariat at applications@voluntaryprinciples.org.
About the VPI
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 75 members and observers including companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations that share best practices and mutually support the implementation of the Principles.