Security and human rights

We have represented individuals who have suffered human rights violations by state and private security forces at or around the operations of UK multinationals

As valuable raw materials such as copper, gold, and oil become ever more challenging to locate, multinational companies are increasingly operating in areas already occupied by local communities, including Indigenous peoples.

Often, the arrival of large-scale mining or oil and gas operations is opposed by those already on the land, who may see their own livelihoods threatened or be concerned about pollution of the land, waterways, and air. Governments and local authorities may fail to ensure community concerns are addressed or even heard and often prioritise the interests of companies over those of the local population. Too frequently, the companies involved collude with State and private security forces to intimidate and suppress local opposition.

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights provide guidance to companies on how to minimise the risk of human rights abuses, but often, the human rights of people living in the vicinity of these operations are overlooked in favour of efficiencies and profit. The excessive use of force, including live ammunition and even torture, has been the result.

Due to weak legal protections and access to legal representation in host countries, often victims are unable to obtain justice at the local level.