[ 「責任あるサプライチェーンにおける人権尊重のためのガイドライン（案）」 に対する意見公募要領 ] 8 August 2022

[Japanese-to-English translation: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre ]

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The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights ('the UN Guiding Principles') were endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011, and respect for human rights is a global standard of conduct expected of all companies. Respect for human rights in corporate activities helps to address adverse impacts on human rights, contributes to society, avoids factors that hinder a company's continued business operations, increases the trust of the international community, and gains high evaluation from global investors and other stakeholders. The introduction of laws and regulations on the grounds of respect for human rights is progressing, particularly in Europe and the USA, and companies are required to strengthen their efforts.

Last year, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) jointly conducted a survey on the status of corporate human rights initiatives as part of the follow-up to the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, and found that the implementation rate of human rights due diligence was only about 50% of the companies responding. Many companies expressed a desire for the government to establish guidelines. The survey also revealed that half of the companies that have not made progress in respecting human rights said they do not know how to implement specific measures. In addition, many stakeholders, as well as companies, have requested the development of guidelines.

In light of this situation, the METI has set up a study group to develop cross-industry guidelines on initiatives to respect human rights in the supply chain. We look forward to receiving comments from a wide range of the public.

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