United Kingdom

The UK 2013 NAP in the section on Further actions planned [page 15] states:

“We will: … (ii) encourage trade associations/sector groupings of companies to develop guidance relevant to their members’ sector of activity on developing human rights policies and processes, including due diligence. There is generic guidance online about doing this e.g. at the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. Some sector-specific guidance also exists, for example the International Council on Mining and Metals has produced a guide for mining companies on human rights due diligence…”

The UK 2013 NAP lists a number of initiative around extractives and mining in its chapter of References.

The UK 2016 Updated NAP in the Government Commitment section states that [page 10]:

“The Government will do the following to reinforce its implementation of its commitments under Pillar1 of the UNGPs: (…) Continue to work closely with Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Initiative (VPI) member governments, extractive companies and civil society organisations, to promote greater understanding of the Voluntary Principles and strengthen the implementation, effectiveness and membership.”

The UK 2016 Updated NAP, in the section on Case studies, includes an example from Kenya regarding responsible business conduct and extractives [page 12].

UK 2016 Updated NAP includes a section devoted to Actions Taken [page 8]:

“To give effect to the UN Guiding Principles, the Government has: (…)

Taken account of business activity in conflict and fragile states, or countries with high levels of criminal violence, within the Building Stability Overseas Strategy. … We will continue to promote implementation of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas;

In March 2015 the Government concluded its chairmanship of the Voluntary Principles Initiative. During our chairmanship we worked to raise awareness of the VPI in priority countries for membership, to support UK oil, gas and mining companies to use the VPs to manage security and human rights risks more effectively, and encouraged greater openness by companies in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”