NEWS News

[Report] The 8th JaCER Learning Lab "Strengthening Competitiveness through Innovation in the Field of Human Rights Respect Overseas" was held.

 On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, JaCER held the 8th Learning Lab "Strengthening Competitiveness through Innovation in the Field of Human Rights Respect Overseas" online, with over 30 representatives and related personnel from member companies participating.

 The Learning Lab is an initiative aimed at sharing the latest knowledge on responsible corporate conduct with member companies and helping them apply it in their business practices. This time, we had a lecture by Mr. Dante Pesce, former member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights and Chairman of the Vincular Center at the Catholic University of Valparaiso, along with Ms. Ingrid Koch, the Operational Manager of the same center, discussing the perspective that companies should view their responsibility to respect human rights not as a "burden" but as a "source of competitive strength," including examples from Latin America.

 The following points were emphasized in their presentations.

• High-risk environments in Latin America: Violations of labor rights, impacts on indigenous peoples, deforestation, environmental damage, and corruption are prominent, making it essential for Japanese companies to strengthen human rights and environmental due diligence.
• Challenges for Japanese companies: Although policies aligned with international standards exist, implementation at local subsidiaries is inconsistent. Differences in culture and systems, weaknesses in supplier management, and slow decision-making are obstacles.
• Lessons from due diligence: Human rights risks must be identified and managed not just through desk analysis but based on the local context and the voices of stakeholders.
• Penetration and transparency: It is important to make human rights a common language across the entire company’s communication, ensuring trust through accountability and corrective measures.
• Recommended actions: Strengthening structures in subsidiaries, aligning corporate culture, securing supply chain traceability, engaging in dialogue with local communities, and investing in training for local teams are essential.

At JaCER, we will continue to provide member companies with valuable information and opportunities for exchanging opinions.