Human Rights
Respect the human rights of people involved in our businesses
Sojitz believes that human rights issues must be addressed through collaboration between all stakeholders involved in supply chains. Sojitz is involved in numerous supply chains, and human rights is therefore a matter that requires our ongoing attention and oversight.
Key Social Issues
- Respect for the human rights of people involved in Sojitz business
- Child labor, forced labor
- Consideration for the environment and society within supply chains
Policy
Sojitz has selected the following Materiality.
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Respect the human rights of people involved in our businesses |
Sojitz respects the human rights of people involved in its businesses. |
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Respect the human rights of people involved in our businesses |
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Sojitz respects the human rights of people involved in its businesses. |
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Human Rights Policy
Sojitz Group Human Rights Policy
1. Our Commitment To Respect Human Rights
Sojitz Group strives to create value and prosperity by connecting the world with a spirit of integrity. We believe that respect for human rights is an integral foundation for creating Sojitz’s two types of value—"value for Sojitz” and “value for society”—and for meeting the expectations of our stakeholders.
As a general trading company, Sojitz Group buys, sells, and trades goods from all over the world, provides manufacturing and sales services for a wide range of products, plans and coordinates various projects, invests in a multitude of business fields, and conducts financial activities. In undertaking these business activities, Sojitz recognizes its responsibility to not cause or contribute to adverse impacts on human rights and work to prevent or mitigate any adverse impacts directly linked to company operations in order to fulfill its obligation to uphold human rights.
2. Scope of Policy
This policy applies to all executives and employees of Sojitz Corporation and Sojitz Group companies. Sojitz also requires executives and employees of its equity-method affiliates to implement human rights-related initiatives in line with the policy.
In addition, Sojitz Group expects the full understanding and support of its suppliers, business partners, and other associated parties regarding this policy.
3. Honoring International Human Rights Standards
We are committed to respecting human rights as set out in the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and to carrying out our business in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Sojitz Group shall comply with local laws and regulations in conducting its business activities. In the event that laws or regulations in a country conflict with the international human rights standards, Sojitz will seek ways to honor the international human rights standards.
4. Human Rights in Our Business Operations
In accordance with international human rights standards and the Sojitz Group Statement, Sojitz Group prohibits discrimination and promotes respect for diversity, including with respect to race, nationality, ethnic origin, beliefs, sex, social status, religion, age, mental and physical disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Sojitz is committed to the prohibition of child and forced labor and the prevention of corruption. Sojitz provides a safe labor environment and works to ensure responsible labor practices, including the observance of appropriate working time. Sojitz aims to promote the payment of a fair and equitable wage that meets or exceeds living wage standards. Sojitz Group supports freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
5. Conducting Human Rights Due Diligence
Sojitz Group is committed to assessing actual and potential adverse impacts on the human rights of its stakeholders in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Sojitz will identify, assess, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts of its business by conducting human rights due diligence.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
Sojitz Group will continue to develop and enhance the initiatives outlined in this policy through ongoing dialogue and discussion with relevant stakeholders.
7. Remediation and Remedy
Sojitz Group will take the appropriate steps for remediation and remedy in the event that the company’s business activities are found to be causing an adverse impact on human rights or contributing to a human rights violation through its supply chains or other business relationship.
In addition, Sojitz Group has established a grievance mechanism for directly receiving inquiries from internal and external stakeholders of the company regarding any adverse impacts on human rights associated with Group business activities.
8. Education and Training Programs
Sojitz Group conducts education and training programs for Group executives and employees in order to ensure their understanding and effective implementation of this policy.
9. Information Disclosure
Sojitz Group will disclose information regarding its human rights initiatives and progress on these initiatives in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Sojitz Group refers to Sojitz Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
- For further information on Sojitz’s response concerning reports of a material policy breach within the supply chains, see the Sojitz Group CSR Action Guidelines for Supply Chains.
Established in June 2017
Revised in August 2023
Revised in April 2026
Policies on Specific Issues
Sojitz Group identifies the business areas that pose high human rights risks and conducts analysis to determine which portions of its supply chains are most susceptible to these risks. Sojitz has established the following policies regarding its approach to specific issues that involve particularly high risk of human rights violations.
Rights of Children
Sojitz Group upholds the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Children’s Rights and Business Principles. The Group does not tolerate any form of child labor and strives to ensure respect for the rights of children throughout its business activities.
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
When undertaking business activities in areas in which indigenous peoples reside, Sojitz Group will acknowledge the unique culture and history of indigenous peoples and show consideration for their rights as set out in both local and national laws as well as in international standards such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the ILO Convention No. 169.
Use of Security Companies
In conducting global business activities, Sojitz Group may use security companies to ensure the safety of its business operations. The Group recognizes the potential risk of human rights violations posed by the misuse of weapons in security operations. Sojitz adheres to the laws and regulations of each country and upholds relevant international standards and agreements, such as the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR).
Related Policies
Initiatives
For more details on Sojitz’s human rights initiatives, please visit the Sojitz ESG Book.