Oslo, Norway – March 24, 2009 – Following its annual plenary meeting, the

Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) announced the

introduction of the “Framework for the Admission and Participation of New

Governments,” two new plenary members, and a renewed focus on “in-

country processes”-multi-stakeholder forums that support implementation

and integration of the VPs at the country level.

“The new Government Framework marks a significant milestone toward the

expansion of government participation in the Voluntary Principles,” said

Elisabeth Walaas, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Norway, host of this year’s annual plenary meeting.

With the new Government Framework in place, the Voluntary Principles

welcomed the government of Canada into the process as a new Engaged

Government. The process also officially welcomed Pact, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based NGO. “Joining the VPs will help advance our mission of strengthening the capacity of civil society and communities to advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice, and of business to be a positive force for community-centred development-especially in regions such as the Democratic Republic Congo,” said Assheton L. Stewart Carter, Vice President Corporate Community Engagement, Pact, Inc.

This year’s meeting welcomed plans in support of in-country activities in

Colombia, Indonesia, and Nigeria. Participants also agreed to consider the prospect of development and expansion of new processes in other priority countries.

Visit www.voluntaryprincples.org to learn more about the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights are a unique tripartite, multi-stakeholder initiative established in 2000 that introduced a set of principles to guide extractives companies in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that ensures respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Voluntary Principles address three main areas: risk assessment, interactions between companies and public security, and interactions between companies and private security. Participants include the following:

Governments:

Canada

Netherlands (www.minez.nl or www.mvonederland.nl)

Norway (http://odin.dep.no/ud/engelsk/)

United States of America (www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/2931.htm)

Corporations:

Anglo American (www.angloamerican.co.uk)

AngloGold Ashanti (http://www.anglogoldashanti.co.za/default.htm)

BG Group (www.bg-group.com)

BHP Billiton (www.bhpbilliton.com)

BP (www.bp.com)

Chevron (www.chevron.com)

ConocoPhillips (www.conocophillips.com)

ExxonMobil (www.exxonmobil.com)

Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold (www.fcx.com)

Hess Corporation (www.hess.com)

Marathon Oil (www.marathon.com)

Newmont Mining Corporation (www.newmont.com)

Norsk Hydro (www.hydro.com)

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (www.oxy.com)

Rio Tinto (www.riotinto.com)

Shell (www.shell.com)

StatoilHydro (www.statoil.com)

Talisman Energy Inc. (www.talisman-energy.com)

NGOs:

Amnesty International (http://amnesty.org)

The Fund for Peace (www.fundforpeace.org)

Human Rights First (www.humanrightsfirst.org)

Human Rights Watch (www.hrw.org)

International Alert (www.international-alert.org)

Oxfam (www.oxfam.org.uk)

Pact, Inc. (www.pacworldt.org)

Pax Christi Netherlands (www.paxchristi.nl)

Observers:

International Committee of the Red Cross (www.icrc.org)

International Council on Mining & Metals (www.icmm.com)

International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association

(www.ipieca.org)