Respect for Human Rights
Shareholders and Investors, Customers, Suppliers and Other Trade Partners, Employees, Local Communities
Basic Approach to Respect for Human Rights
The Sumitomo Riko Group promotes various measures under the basic spirit of the “Sumitomo Spirit” and the “Sumitomo Riko Group Management Philosophy.”
In order to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society in harmony with society and the Earth, we have included “respect for human rights” as one of the 10 principles in the Sumitomo Riko Group Corporate Action Charter,” and we conduct our business globally while respecting the human rights of all people associated with our group.
In order to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society in harmony with society and the Earth, we have included “respect for human rights” as one of the 10 principles in the Sumitomo Riko Group Corporate Action Charter,” and we conduct our business globally while respecting the human rights of all people associated with our group.
Related information
In July 2022, through the formulation of the “Sumitomo Riko Group Policy on Human Right,” we further clarified our concrete commitment to this policy. We pledge to continue to fulfill our responsibilities by promoting efforts to respect human rights in accordance with international standards throughout the Sumitomo Riko Group.
The Sumitomo Riko Group Policy on Human Rights
The Sumitomo Riko Group, in accordance with the Sumitomo Spirit and the Sumitomo Riko Group Corporate Principles, shall strive to be a group of companies worthy of society's trust by conducting business activities in an honest manner.
As we continue to develop together with the global community, the Sumitomo Riko Group recognizes that all of its business activities must be based on respect for human rights. The Sumitomo Riko Group will work ethically and responsibly for the respect of human rights ensuring that our entire group will uphold this standard.
1. Stance
The Sumitomo Riko Group hereby sets “The Sumitomo Riko Group Policy on Human Rights” (hereinafter referred to as “the Policy”) to promote initiatives for respect to human rights. The Policy shall be guided by the following documents and represents the Sumitomo Riko Group’s commitment to respecting human rights based on The Sumitomo Spirit and The Sumitomo Riko Group Corporate Principles as described in the Code of Conduct.
- The International Bill of Human Rights (the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenants on Human Rights) that sets forth fundamental human rights to be enjoyed by all people in the world.
- The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work that set forth by the International Labour Organization (ILO) which stipulates basic rights at work i.e. freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
- The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights of the United Nations.
- The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact of the United Nations.
- The International Bill of Human Rights (the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenants on Human Rights) that sets forth fundamental human rights to be enjoyed by all people in the world.
- The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work that set forth by the International Labour Organization (ILO) which stipulates basic rights at work i.e. freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
- The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights of the United Nations.
- The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact of the United Nations.
2. Scope of Application
The Policy will apply to all executives and employees of the Sumitomo Riko Group (all employees including executives, permanent employees, contract employees and temporary employees.) The Sumitomo Riko Group also expects all business partners related to its business activities to comply with the Policy.
3. Responsibility to Respect Human Rights
The Sumitomo Riko Group will aim to fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring that its business activities respect and enhance human rights. In the event our business activities should make any adverse impact on human rights, it shall be handled appropriately for correction.
Furthermore, we expect our business partners and stakeholders to respect the same standards of human rights as the Sumitomo Riko Group, to prevent violation and correct any breaches.
① Human Rights Due Diligence
To fulfill our responsibilities in regard to respect for human rights, the Sumitomo Riko Group will establish a system of human rights due diligence through the implementation of “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights” of the United Nations, and implement this in an ongoing manner. Human rights due diligence includes specifying and evaluating negative impacts imposed potentially or actually and taking measures to prevent or mitigate such risks.
② Remedy
In the event the Sumitomo Riko Group’s business activities result in violation of human rights or it becomes clear that it was involved in making such adverse impact, we will provide for an appropriate remedy.
③ Training and Education
The Sumitomo Riko Group will provide appropriate training and education to its executives and employees.
④ Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations
The Sumitomo Riko Group will comply with the laws and regulations of all countries where it conducts its business activities. In the event that we face contradiction between internationally recognized human rights standards and the laws of the relevant country, the Sumitomo Riko Group will pursue ways to honor the principles of internationally recognized human rights.
⑤ Dialogue and Consultation
The Sumitomo Riko Group, in various efforts under the Policy, will make use of the independent and external expertise concerning human rights and will engage sincerely in holding dialogues and consultation with the stakeholders.
⑥ Information Disclosure
The Sumitomo Riko Group will disclose the progress of the initiatives regarding human rights based on the Policy on its website and reports.
Furthermore, we expect our business partners and stakeholders to respect the same standards of human rights as the Sumitomo Riko Group, to prevent violation and correct any breaches.
① Human Rights Due Diligence
To fulfill our responsibilities in regard to respect for human rights, the Sumitomo Riko Group will establish a system of human rights due diligence through the implementation of “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights” of the United Nations, and implement this in an ongoing manner. Human rights due diligence includes specifying and evaluating negative impacts imposed potentially or actually and taking measures to prevent or mitigate such risks.
② Remedy
In the event the Sumitomo Riko Group’s business activities result in violation of human rights or it becomes clear that it was involved in making such adverse impact, we will provide for an appropriate remedy.
③ Training and Education
The Sumitomo Riko Group will provide appropriate training and education to its executives and employees.
④ Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations
The Sumitomo Riko Group will comply with the laws and regulations of all countries where it conducts its business activities. In the event that we face contradiction between internationally recognized human rights standards and the laws of the relevant country, the Sumitomo Riko Group will pursue ways to honor the principles of internationally recognized human rights.
⑤ Dialogue and Consultation
The Sumitomo Riko Group, in various efforts under the Policy, will make use of the independent and external expertise concerning human rights and will engage sincerely in holding dialogues and consultation with the stakeholders.
⑥ Information Disclosure
The Sumitomo Riko Group will disclose the progress of the initiatives regarding human rights based on the Policy on its website and reports.
July 1, 2022
Representative Director and President & CEO
Kazushi Shimizu
Related information
Specific Initiatives
Education and training to raise awareness and foster a culture of human rights
In line with the clarification of our human rights initiatives, we have begun education and training programs in FY2022 to raise awareness of human rights and foster a culture of human rights.
We will continue to steadily promote our efforts to respect human rights and raise awareness.
We will continue to steadily promote our efforts to respect human rights and raise awareness.
Training Achievements
| Implementation Period | Subject employees | Training Topics | Lecturers |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2023 | Head office executive officers and above | Business and Human Rights Policy Development ~Towards sustainable and responsible business practices~ |
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Business and Human Rights Liaison Officer Ms. Akiko Sato, Attorney at Law |
| July 2023 | Next generation management executives |
Ongoing implementation of surveys of human rights responses at Group companies in Japan and overseas
Since FY2021, we have continued to conduct surveys on the human rights activities of Group companies in Japan and overseas, utilizing the opportunity of common self-inspection (led by the Internal Audit Department).
In FY2023, we conducted surveys on 20 items under 8 themes, including “child labor” and “forced labor.”
In FY2023, we conducted surveys on 20 items under 8 themes, including “child labor” and “forced labor.”
Participation in Sumitomo Electric Group human rights due diligence project
As a member of the Sumitomo Electric Group, we participate in the Human Rights Due Diligence Project and attend monthly meetings. We promote the exchange of relevant information and opinions with Sumitomo Electric and other companies belonging to the same group and make use of this information in our daily efforts.