"Survey shows room for improvement on human rights" 30 November 2021

A new survey by Japan's industry ministry highlights the extent to which companies are focused on human rights issues. It found that a majority of firms have guidelines, but the ministry says the figure is not high enough.

The ministry conducted the survey between early September and mid-October. The 760 respondents included firms listed in the first and second sections of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nearly 70% said they had rules to ensure there is no abuse or exploitation in their manufacturing processes or supply chains.

Just over 50% said they had initiated investigations to safeguard human rights.

But 21% said they had not done anything. Some said they lack the expertise and want the government to set up guidelines instead.

The ministry says corporate efforts on human rights remain insufficient overall, and officials plan to examine the survey results to devise support programs.

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