Rio Tinto supports the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights which were issued by the US and UK Governments in December 2000. The principles were crafted after year long discussions between a number of international extractive and energy companies, including Rio Tinto, and non government organisations, the UK Foreign Office and the US State Department.

The principles guide companies in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that ensures respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The main points of the principles are:

• acknowledgement that security and respect for human rights can and should be consistent;
• recognition that governments have the primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights;
• emphasis on the importance of safeguarding the integrity of company personnel and property;
• recognition that company activities have an effect on local communities and potential for conflict should be mitigated;
• understanding that useful, credible information is a vital component of security and human rights; and
• recognition that companies have a role in supporting, where these are desirable, the development of institutional capacities and strengthening the rule of law.

Rio Tinto is able to support the Principles because our work on human rights, including the Human rights guidance, already covers the principles. The guidance notes that while protecting employees and assets from theft and violence is a vital task, protection creates the potential for human rights abuses and provides guidance on how these can be avoided.

Rio Tinto continues to participate in meetings hosted by the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office to promote the spread of these principles and to share experience.