[ 経済産業省「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」の策定に対してステークホルダーが合同コメント（緊急要請）（9/2）] 2 September 2022

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

With regard to the Guidelines for Respect for Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains, which the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) began formulating in March 2022 and public comments were collected from 8 to 29 August, the members of the Roundtable on Promotion of the Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and its Working Group submitted a "Joint Stakeholder Comment (Urgent Request) on the Japanese Government's Guidelines for Respect for Human Rights in Supply Chains" to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Policy Promotion for the Implementation of Japan’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights on 2 September. The comment was submitted to the Inter-Ministerial Committee because the development of the guidelines is part of the implementation of the Japanese Government's National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

The joint comment stated that, although it is "extremely important to ensure the legitimacy of the guidelines through meaningful consultations with stakeholders in the process", the consultations were insufficient. Therefore, the guidelines should (i) be discussed and debated in full consideration of the opinions submitted as public comments, (ii) engage with stakeholders during dissemination, monitor and review, and be implemented based on cooperation and (ii) analyse the gaps in current government measures and company initiatives with the participation of stakeholders in the implementation, examination and revision process of the NAP, including the promotion of the guidelines.

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