TOTALENERGIES – OBSERVER PROFILE
TotalEnergies: Putting Responsible Private Security at the Heart of Business & Human Rights
ICoCA Observer since August 2024
TotalEnergies is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. As one of the largest integrated energy companies globally, it employs over 100,000 people across 120 countries. In August 2024, the organisation became an Observer of ICoCA. We spoke with Ericka Latour, Security and Human Rights Coordinator (VPSHR) at TotalEnergies, to explore the reasons behind the company’s decision to join ICoCA and how this aligns with its commitment to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its leadership, TotalEnergies is transforming industry standards in certain markets—so what can others learn from their experience and how can this be replicated elsewhere?
- Can you tell us about TotalEnergies and how, why, and where the company contracts private security?
TotalEnergies operates in many countries and contracts private security to assure the security of its subsidiaries’ staff, assets, and operations. Our commitment to human rights is central to how we manage these operations. Private security companies (PSCs) are contracted based on strict criteria that ensure not only operational efficiency but also full compliance with applicable laws and international standards.
- What are the main challenges for the company when contracting private security, and what are the main human rights risks related to this?
As TotalEnergies contracts PSCs in low and high risk-profile countries, the main challenge lies in full adherence by security partners of the Company’s safety and security standards – including the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR), and the importance of balancing the need for effective security while ensuring that human rights are fully respected and protected. Private security may sometimes operate in volatile areas where tensions between communities, local authorities, and companies can escalate. In these specific contexts, the key human rights risks may include disproportionate use of force, arbitrary detentions, or violations of freedom of assembly. TotalEnergies works proactively to mitigate these risks by training security partners, ensuring their compliance with the VPSHR, and engaging with local communities.
- TotalEnergies has been requiring ICoCA certification to select private security companies in various markets for quite some time now. Can you tell us where, why, and what impact this has had for the company and more generally for the communities where you operate?
TotalEnergies requires ICoCA certification in regions where there is heightened security risk. The certification process ensures that our private security partners adhere to the International Code of Conduct for Security Providers (ICoC). This has had a significant impact, it helps building trust with local communities we work with and reduces the likelihood of human rights abuses. For the Company, it reinforces our commitment to responsible business practices and ensures that our security partners meet the highest standards.
- What would you say to other companies that contract private security who are considering introducing ICoCA requirements in their tenders?
Introducing ICoCA requirements is an important step in promoting responsible security practices. TotalEnergies would encourage other companies to adopt this approach, as it not only enhances the credibility of security operations but also reduces risks related to human rights violations. By setting clear standards, companies can ensure that their security contractors operate with the highest level of professionalism and respect for human rights, ultimately leading to secure and more sustainable business environments.
- Why has TotalEnergies joined ICoCA as an Observer, and how does the company plan to participate in the Association?
We believe that becoming an Observer is an important step in our commitment to promoting international standards respect for human rights in security operations. Our participation in dialogue and collaboration with other ICoCA Members will enable us to share ideas, promote best practices, and contribute to the collective efforts in promoting respect for the ICoCA. In countries where we operate and no PSCs are Affiliate, Member or certified by ICoCA, we will encourage the certification process and facilitate connections between ICoCA and the PSCs. We are committed to being an active participant in the Association, continuously learning, improving our own practices and promoting responsible security practices in our sector.
To learn more about TotalEnergies, visit their website.