Business and Human Rights at Work Checklist

The Japanese government has established the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2020-2025) and is committed to encouraging companies to respect the principles regarding fundamental workers’ rights as internationally recognized human rights, as outlined in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Additionally, the Japanese government promotes corporate awareness through the “Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains” (2022). In this context, the study group organised by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare called for the publication of an introductory awareness booklet on international labour standards to help companies understand “how to address specific challenges related to business and human rights” and “which human rights should be prioritized.”

We expect companies to use this booklet to gain a better understanding of the five fundamental areas of international labour standards (core labour standards) as human rights that should be respected in the labour sector: (1) freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining; (2) the elimination of forced labour; (3) the abolition of child labour; (4) the elimination of discrimination; and (5) a safe and healthy working environment. We also hope that companies will promote their efforts related to “business and human rights” by using this booklet as an introductory tool for briefing suppliers or seeking their cooperation.

See the Japanese version here.