Mining and Energy Committee on Security and Human Rights (CME) presents progress during the ‘Plenary of the International Voluntary Principles Initiative 2025’.
Bogotá, March 25, 2025
As part of his leadership in the promotion of good practices in security and human rights, Pablo Urrutia, in his role as president of the Board of Directors of the Mining and Energy Committee on Security and Human Rights (CME), accompanied by Luz Stella Paez (executive director of this multi-stakeholder initiative with more than 22 years of existence), participated in the annual plenary of the International Initiative of the Voluntary Principles (VPs) on Security and Human Rights (HR), held in London, United Kingdom, from March 18 to 21.
The event was attended by a large number of mining and oil & gas companies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government representatives from South American countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. It was also attended by companies and governments such as those of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and France. Countries from the African continent such as Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Gambia, and from Asia (Indonesia, and more specifically Papua New Guinea) also participated.
All those present were highly engaged, exchanging ideas and methodologies related to the implementation of international Human Rights standards such as the VPs, as well as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
Urrutia, also Drummond Ltd.’s vice president of public affairs & communications, represented the Colombian mining and energy sector during the four-day conference, highlighting the importance of multi-sector collaboration to strengthen security and human rights in the regions where the industry operates. Companies, trade associations and delegates from different countries participated in this meeting. These were some of the points highlighted by Pablo Urrutia, president of the CME board, during his speech:
Risk mitigation strategies through collaboration
During their intervention, Pablo Urrutia and Luz Stella Paez explained that the work being done by the Committee has been essential in the development of strategies to mitigate security and human rights risks. He stressed that cooperation between law enforcement, communities, local and national authorities, and especially companies is essential to build safer and more sustainable environments, benefiting all stakeholders.
Building confidence in the implementation of standards
Urrutia also emphasized that the effective implementation of international standards, such as the UN Guiding Principles and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, requires the strengthening of relationships of trust in the territories where companies operate. In this regard, the CME has worked on developing tools and promoting dialogue between different sectors to facilitate the adoption of best practices in the industry.
Analysis of the impact of public policies
The panel also addressed the impact of public policies in the areas of operation of the mining-energy sector. They discussed the importance of understanding and analyzing these regulations, which is key to managing the risks associated with security and human rights, ensuring that business initiatives are sustainable and aligned with the wellbeing of the communities where they operate.
It should be reiterated that the main mining and hydrocarbon companies operating in the country, trade associations, the National Government, civil society organizations, academia and diplomatic missions of foreign governments participate in the CME. For this reason, its integration has been fundamental to promote dialogue and collaborative construction on the protection, promotion and respect for human rights.
Through the leadership of the Mining and Energy Committee in international dialogue spaces, we reaffirm our commitment to be at the forefront of best practices and work together to design and implement world-class energy projects, committed to global standards in safety and human rights that have a positive impact on the development of the territories and their people.
