Training: Guidance on Respecting the Rights of Human Rights Defenders

This training module provides an overview of the Guidance on Respecting the Rights of Human Rights Defenders, developed for the VPI for implementation into existing Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) policies and procedures. The training aims to support businesses, governments, and civil society actors in understanding and integrating the Guidance into their operations and security arrangements.  

The material outlines key principles and practical steps for companies to prevent and mitigate risks to prevent and mitigate human rights defenders (HRDs), including through policy commitments, risk assessments, engagement with security providers, and grievance mechanisms. By offering case studies, exercises, and reflection questions, the training encourages participants to assess their approach to HRD engagement and develop suitable strategies to address challenges and ensure alignment with the VPSHR.

The training material integrates the use of the VPI-developed Implementation Guidance Tools (IGT) in its approach to provide a structured framework for identifying, assessing, and managing risks to HRDs.