Respect for Human Rights
Basic Approach
We believe that respecting human rights not only improves "Well" (state of happiness) of our employees, but also of society as a whole, including our business partners and local communities. In accordance with this idea, the UACJ Group Code of Conduct also stipulates “respect for human rights,” “prohibition of child labor and forced labor,” “prohibition of harassment,” and “respect for basic labor rights.” Furthermore, in March 2022, we announced the UACJ Group Human Rights Policy and affirmed our commitment to respecting human rights in our business activities, including the prohibition of child labor and forced labor, so that all members of the Group are committed to respecting human rights.
The Compliance Committee*1, having established the above basic policy and annual Group activities, has also established the “UACJ Group Sustainable Procurement Guidelines” and conducts human rights education and human rights due diligence within the Group. Furthermore, as a remedial process in the event of negative human rights impacts, we are also working to establish a grievance mechanism (consultation, discussion, and redress mechanisms), including a reporting system for stakeholders within the Group and for suppliers and other stakeholders.
Under the leadership of the Human Resources Committee, we are also promoting workstyle reform, diversity, and health management.
*1 Committee composed of the representative director & president, executive vice president,division chief executives, business managers, and other executive officers, with attendance by directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members also permitted.
UACJ Group Human Rights Policy
1. Introduction
The UACJ Group Human Rights Policy expresses our commitment to respect for human rights based on the UACJ Way, the UACJ Group Philosophy to “contribute to society by using raw materials to manufacture products that enhance prosperity and sustainability,” and the action guidelines established to ensure we are a company that sustainably supports society and livelihoods. The 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.
The UACJ Group takes steps to prevent human rights violations in its business activities and, in the unlikely event a violation occurs responds to the utmost seriousness.
2. Scope of Application
All officers and employees of UACJ and the UACJ Group companies honor the respect for human rights expressed in the Human Rights Policy.
We also expect partner companies engaged in UACJ Group business activities to follow the policy and promote cooperation in efforts to prevent and eliminate factors with potential impacts on human rights.
3. Applicable Laws and Regulations
UACJ Group will comply with the laws and regulations of the countries and regions in which it operates.
- 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). - 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
- The UACJ Group will not infringe on the human rights of those affected by any of its business activities.
- The UACJ Group will thoroughly investigate and comply with the laws and regulations of each country/region in which UACJ Group operates.
- UACJ respects the religions, customs, cultures, and traditions of each country and region.
- UACJ does not permit forced or child labour.
- UACJ respects diversity and does not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, creed, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, religion, ideology, social origin, or disability.
- The UACJ Group guarantees the freedom of association.
- 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 Resource Development Policy
The UACJ Group recognizes that its employees are the most vital source of its ability to develop technology that “elicits the full power of materials,” and we will continue providing an open and supportive work environment where employees together and individually embody the UACJ Way.
7. 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.
8. 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 all UACJ business 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 (
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Ripple effects of “respect for human rights”
We believe that respect for human rights will lead to the realization of a comfortable work environment and the elimination of harassment within the Group, which in turn will allow us to secure excellent human resources. It will also have various ripple effects outside the Group, such as healthier supply chains, which will provide business stability, and the eradication of inequality and poverty, which will curb destruction of the environment.
Conducting human rights due diligence
UACJ conducts human rights due diligence on our domestic and overseas workplaces in order to identify any negative human rights impacts or risks that may arise through our business operations. We assess negative impacts and risks that have come to light as a result of human rights due diligence, and as well as providing employee education to help prevent and correct such impacts and risks, we have established guidelines such as the “UACJ Group Sustainable Procurement Guidelines.”
In fiscal 2023, with the cooperation of a human rights NGO, we conducted due diligence at three sites: Nagoya Works, UACJ Australia Pty. Ltd. and Kamakura Industry Co., Ltd., and found no serious human rights violations. We will continue conducting human rights due diligence on an ongoing basis with the aim of completing implementation throughout the Group by fiscal 2030, and will work to identify, mitigate, and prevent the emergence of human rights risks associated with our business activities.
Employee education on human rights
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 2023, the training was attended by all employees (excluding individuals who could not participate due to illness or other specific reasons). In 2024, 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.
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