When working with public security forces, sites should:
- establish a mechanism for regular meetings with public security forces to share information and discuss emerging security concerns
- communicate Anglo American’s commitments to the VPs and respect for human rights to the public security forces
- develop a mutual understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities of public and private providers, including procedures for public security interventions
- establish if there are existing training programmes for public security forces in human rights, international humanitarian law and rules of engagement for public security providers and, where appropriate, identify opportunities to strengthen such efforts
- monitor the level and type of public security provision and interactions with the site or local communities.
In higher-risk contexts (as informed by the external context review and the public sector VPSHR due diligence), sites (or ) should work towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with public security forces. Model clauses for agreements between Government Security Forces and companies can be found on the website of the Voluntary Principles.[1] (or equivalent agreement) can be an effective way to manage risks related to public security forces. Even where a written agreement is not possible, the process of working to achieve a mutual understanding of security arrangements and procedures can be just as valuable. Efforts to reach an should be documented.
Typically, an includes:
- Scope and purpose of the deployment of public security forces
- Commitment to ongoing engagement between the site and security forces on relevant issues such as security risks and human rights
- Clear procedures for the use of force and the manner in which security forces are armed
- Recruitment and vetting procedures of security personnel to ensure the exclusion of individuals who may have a history of committing (alleged) human rights abuses or criminality
- Commitment to ensure the proper and appropriate level of training for security forces on basic standards of conduct and human rights
- Basis upon which equipment or resources may be provided by the company to security forces (see 4E.2 Task 8).
- The method in which abuses by security forces are reported and investigated
- The process for removal of individuals within security forces from the community if there are allegations of abuse
Depending on the context and sensitivities involved, sites should consider whether it is appropriate to communicate the fact or substance of the with relevant stakeholders.
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1 Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (2019) Voluntary Principles Initiative Tools. Available at: https://www.voluntaryprinciples.org/copy-of-resources-3 (Accessed: December 2019)