Oslo, Norway - March 24, 2009 - Following its annual plenary meeting, the
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) announced the
introduction of the "Framework for the Admission and Participation of New
Governments," two new plenary members, and a renewed focus on "in-
country processes"-multi-stakeholder forums that support implementation
and integration of the VPs at the country level.

"The new Government Framework marks a significant milestone toward the
expansion of government participation in the Voluntary Principles," said
Elisabeth Walaas, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Norway, host of this year's annual plenary meeting.

With the new Government Framework in place, the Voluntary Principles
welcomed the government of Canada into the process as a new Engaged
Government. The process also officially welcomed Pact, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based NGO. "Joining the VPs will help advance our mission of strengthening the capacity of civil society and communities to advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice, and of business to be a positive force for community-centred development-especially in regions such as the Democratic Republic Congo," said Assheton L. Stewart Carter, Vice President Corporate Community Engagement, Pact, Inc.

This year's meeting welcomed plans in support of in-country activities in
Colombia, Indonesia, and Nigeria. Participants also agreed to consider the prospect of development and expansion of new processes in other priority countries.

Visit www.voluntaryprincples.org to learn more about the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights are a unique tripartite, multi-stakeholder initiative established in 2000 that introduced a set of principles to guide extractives companies in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that ensures respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Voluntary Principles address three main areas: risk assessment, interactions between companies and public security, and interactions between companies and private security. Participants include the following:

Governments:
Canada
Netherlands (www.minez.nl or www.mvonederland.nl)
Norway (http://odin.dep.no/ud/engelsk/)
United States of America (www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/2931.htm)

Corporations:
Anglo American (www.angloamerican.co.uk)
AngloGold Ashanti (http://www.anglogoldashanti.co.za/default.htm)
BG Group (www.bg-group.com)
BHP Billiton (www.bhpbilliton.com)
BP (www.bp.com)
Chevron (www.chevron.com)
ConocoPhillips (www.conocophillips.com)
ExxonMobil (www.exxonmobil.com)
Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold (www.fcx.com)
Hess Corporation (www.hess.com)
Marathon Oil (www.marathon.com)
Newmont Mining Corporation (www.newmont.com)
Norsk Hydro (www.hydro.com)
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (www.oxy.com)
Rio Tinto (www.riotinto.com)
Shell (www.shell.com)
StatoilHydro (www.statoil.com)
Talisman Energy Inc. (www.talisman-energy.com)

NGOs:
Amnesty International (http://amnesty.org)
The Fund for Peace (www.fundforpeace.org)
Human Rights First (www.humanrightsfirst.org)
Human Rights Watch (www.hrw.org)
International Alert (www.international-alert.org)
Oxfam (www.oxfam.org.uk)
Pact, Inc. (www.pacworldt.org)
Pax Christi Netherlands (www.paxchristi.nl)

Observers:
International Committee of the Red Cross (www.icrc.org)
International Council on Mining & Metals (www.icmm.com)
International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association
(www.ipieca.org)

BSR

BSR

Since 1992, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) has been providing socially responsible business solutions to many of the world's leading corporations. Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and China, BSR is a nonprofit business association that serves its 250 member companies and other Global 1000 enterprises. Through advisory services, convenings and research, BSR works with corporations and concerned stakeholders of all types to create a more just and sustainable global economy. For more information, visit www.bsr.org.

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