June 2011 saw the launch of IPIECA’s Business and Human Rights Project: a new three-year initiative that leverages the collective experience and practical know-how of members in the area of business and human rights.

This special project is furthering collaborative learning around due diligence and grievance mechanisms. Dedicated teams have been formed to design and execute multi-year work programmes in both areas. These programmes will contribute to the growing body of knowledge generated by the industry, as well as provide input into multi-stakeholder dialogues on business and human rights and relevant international guidance.

The first collaborative learning workshop on due diligence was convened in New York, USA on 20 October 2011. The workshop included participation by the Danish Institute for Human Rights. It focused on promoting continuous improvement in corporate impact assessment processes through the sharing of technical insights and experiences from across the oil and gas industry.

The grievance mechanism work stream of IPIECA’s Business and Human Rights Project will be structured around a series of pilot programmes undertaken by member companies. Through these pilots, IPIECA plans to collect first-hand data and analysis from diverse operating environments. This approach will enable IPIECA to generate learnings and innovations that can be applied more broadly to community engagement practices within the industry.

For more information please contact Roper Cleland, Project Manager Social Responsibility Working Group.