Security and risk management

Security risks, like all other risks, are managed through our business risk management process. This enables us to systematically identify and evaluate any risks to the security of our personnel or our assets, and implement appropriate measures to remove or mitigate them. Additionally, we aim to develop supportive relationships with our local communities, an important contributing factor in the protection of the Company's people and assets.

Keeping Our People Secure

Our Group CR Guiding Principles set out our commitment to work in accordance with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR), and the requirements of the United Nations' human rights guidelines and codes of conduct, which cover issues such as the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials.

Being ready to respond to any security or other crisis remains a focus across all our operations around the world. Security personnel are often the first point of contact between the Company and the community, so for example in Bangladesh, all security personnel receive security and human rights training as part of their induction, as well as annual refresher courses.

In Bangladesh, political instability and public demonstrations have in the past created disruption to staff and transport movement. In 2009, there were five incidents in and around the Sangu plant involving two incidents of theft and three incidents of illegal excavations near the import pipeline.

In India, the Cairn Security team continuously monitors potential threats to the business and maintains good communications with local and national government organisations, ensuring that appropriate responses are made and actions taken to minimise any risk to our staff and assets.

In Nepal, where we continue to monitor the security situation, Force Majeure was lifted in January 2010.