Thirty-five members of local communities, government officials, representatives of extractive companies, and civil society organizations participated in a capacity-building workshop on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) on February 13, 2026, in the Balama district. The initiative aimed to strengthen local capacities in the application of the VPSHR in the district, contributing to the building of more balanced, responsible, and sustainable relationships between businesses, communities, and government.
in a context where the expansion of the extractive industry intersects with complex challenges of security, governance, and human rights, it becomes increasingly important for different local actors to share a common understanding of principles and practices that promote balanced relationships between companies, communities, and authorities. Consolidating spaces for dialogue and joint reflection contributes to reducing tensions, strengthening trust between parties, and promoting security approaches that respect human dignity and the fundamental rights of populations affected by economic activities.
