Implementation of the Voluntary Principles in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Rapid Response to Support the Adoption of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights

The extractive sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is vital for the nation’s economy, yet it grapples with issues like human rights violations, environmental concerns and community conflicts. The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) aim to address these challenges, though their effective application can be challenging. With funding from USAID, Search for Common Ground collaborated with civil society groups engaged in the extractive sector to support the DRC government’s adoption of the VPs. Search conducted a study across key mining and hydrocarbon provinces, Haut Katanga, Sud Kivu, and Kongo Central, revealing best practices and challenges in implementing the VPs.