Japan is Working With the U.N. to Increase Human Rights Protection for Workers 

29-11-2021

Naomi Loond 

Japan and Human Rights Researcher, 

Global Human Rights Defence. 

The Japanese government is looking to work with the United Nations International Labour Organisation (ILO) to further protect the human rights of employees working in global supply chains. There will be increased emphasis in due diligence relating to human rights violations. 

Fumio Kishida, who became Japan's Prime Minister in October 2021, has been increasing his efforts in increasing human rights protection of workers since he came into office. Through the plan made with the UN, the government will be giving funding to the ILO; in return they will receive experts in international labour laws to oversee and help create human rights due diligence in businesses with operations in Asia. It is said that around 800 million yen will be designated to this plan. The government will also ask private firms to look into human rights due diligence guidelines abroad for research

Since the allegations of forced labour, concentration camps, and sexual abuse came out from the Muslim Uyghur minority groups in Xinjiang, there has been increased discussion from shareholders about the measures taken to protect human rights. At the moment, companies that are on the Tokyo Stock Exchange are recommended to protect human rights; however, there is no legally binding obligation in this. 

Sources and further reading: 

Japan and U.N. agency to help firms ramp up human rights protection efforts. (2021). Retrieved 28 November 2021, from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/11/23/business/companies-human-rights/ 

Mercan, A. (2021). Japan concerned over human rights violations by China. Retrieved 28 November 2021, from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/japan-concerned-over-human-rights-violations-by-china-premier/2432102 

Who are the Uyghurs and why is China being accused of genocide?. (2021). Retrieved 28 November 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-22278037