Respect for Human Rights

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Basic Approach

Among its provisions, the UACJ Group’s Code of Conduct calls for respect for human rights, prohibition of harassment, prohibition of the use of child labor and forced labor, and respect for basic labor rights. Understanding of the importance of respecting human rights is emphasized in job-level education, intra-departmental education focusing on the Code of Conduct, and in other settings, as well.

UACJ’s Human Rights Policy

1. Preamble

The UACJ Group’s Human Rights Policy expresses our commitment to respect for human rights based on the UACJ Way, the UACJ Group’s corporate philosophy of “contribute to society by using raw materials to manufacture products that enhance prosperity and sustainability,” and the action guidelines established to ensure that we are a company that sustainably supports society and livelihoods. This Human Rights Policy was formulated with reference to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the government of Japan’s Action Plan on Business or Labor Law of each country and Human Rights.

2. Scope of Application

This Human Rights Policy applies to all UACJ directors, employees, and business partners.

3. Applicable Laws and Regulations

UACJ Group will comply with the laws and regulations of the countries and regions in which it operates.

  1. Based on the guiding principles of the United Nations on Business and Human Rights, we will promote business activities that respect human rights. We support and respect international human rights norms such as;
     - The International Bill of Human Rights (the Universal Declaration of Human Rights),
     - The International Covenant on Human Rights,
     - The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles, and the
     - Rights at Work (the ILO Core Labour Standards).
  2. In the event of any discrepancy between the interpretation of international standards and the laws and regulations of the countries or regions in which we operate, we will seek a reasonable solution based on the interests of the people affected.

4. Human Rights Policy

  1. The UACJ Group will not infringe on the human rights of those affected by any of its business activities.
  2. The UACJ Group will thoroughly investigate and comply with the laws and regulations of each country/region in which UACJ Group operates.
  3. UACJ respects the religions, customs, cultures, and traditions of each country and region.
  4. UACJ does not permit forced or child labour.
  5. UACJ respects diversity and does not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, creed, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, sex, self-recognition, language, religion, ideology, social origin, or disability.
  6. The UACJ Group guarantees the freedom of association.
  7. The UACJ Group will take appropriate measures to rectify negative impacts on human rights in its business activities.

5. In-house Education and Training

The UACJ Group provides appropriate training and education to executives and employees to effectively implement human rights policies related to business and human rights. Furthermore, individual department heads strive to appropriately maintain and manage the Human Rights Policy.

6. Human Rights Due Diligence

Based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, UACJ will establish and continuously implement human rights due diligence mechanisms. We will identify the negative impacts and risks of human rights in our business activities, and strive to prevent and mitigate such impacts and risks. We will also disclose the progress and results of human rights due diligence.

7. Dialogue, Discussions, and Remedies

The UACJ Group will continue to engage in dialogue and consultation with external experts on human rights in its business and human rights policies. We will encourage UACJ’s business, products, and service-related partners to respect human rights and work to resolve human rights violations if they are identified. UACJ seeks remedy through dialogue and appropriate procedures when it is clear that business and business activities have caused or encouraged negative human rights impacts.

UACJ’s Human Rights Policy (PDF file will open.98KB)

Human Rights Education for Employees

The UACJ Group Code of Conduct establishes respect for human rights as a part of our culture, and we provide annual training on human rights for all employees.

In fiscal 2022, the training was attended by all employees (excluding individuals who could not participate due to illness or other specific reasons). In 2023, we will continue providing Code of Conduct education for all UACJ employees and human rights education for all Group company employees in Japan and overseas.

Statement on UK Modern Slavery Act

The UACJ Group discloses this statement in accordance with Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.