This "Human Rights Policy of the Mitsubishi Materials Group" (the "Policy") was established based on the Sustainability Policy and is considered to be the foundation of the business activities of the Mitsubishi Materials Group.
The Mitsubishi Materials Group understands that its business may directly or indirectly have an impact on human rights across all areas of its operations, from procurement of raw materials to the development, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, disposal, and recycling of materials and products.
This Policy applies to all executives and employees*1 of the Mitsubishi Materials Group companies*2.
We expect our business partners to support and practice this Policy and aim to work together towards the promotion of respect for human rights.
- 1. Respect for International Human Rights Norms
- The Mitsubishi Materials Group respects the human rights stipulated in the International Bill of Human Rights*1 and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work*2 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and understands them to be the minimum standard to be observed. We also support international human rights norms such as the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact*3 and conduct our business activities in line with these principles.
The Mitsubishi Materials Group complies with the laws and regulations applicable in the countries and regions where we conduct our business activities. In cases where there is a conflict between internationally recognized human rights and the laws and regulations of the country or region in which we operate, we will seek ways to honor the international principles while complying with the laws and regulations.
- 2. Governance and Promotion Structure
- The Sustainable Management Office regularly reports on the status of compliance with this Policy and the Group‘s human rights efforts to the Executive Officers’ Meeting and the Board of Directors of the Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, and promotes the efforts under the supervision of the Board of Directors.
- 3. Human Rights Due Diligence
- The Mitsubishi Materials Group conducts due diligence to identify, assess, prevent, and mitigate negative human rights impacts related to its business activities.
Where we identify that our business activities are causing or contributing to negative human rights impacts, we will take appropriate measures to correct and remedy the situation.
- 4. Stakeholder Engagement
- The Mitsubishi Materials Group recognizes the importance of understanding human rights issues from the perspectives of stakeholders whose human rights have been or may be impacted. We further recognize that there are vulnerable or marginalized groups which require special consideration.
Therefore, we will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders to understand, improve and address human rights issues.
- 5. Grievance Mechanisms
- The Mitsubishi Materials Group promotes a culture of free and open communication. Employees may consult with their superiors regarding human rights concerns and/or report such concerns to our internal whistleblowing system.
We have also established a "Responsible Minerals Sourcing Hotline" which is available to internal and external stakeholders for any concerns or violations of the Responsible Minerals Control Policy.
To identify and respond to the human rights concerns of our stakeholders in a timely manner, we work to establish an effective reporting and grievance handling system.
- 6. Training and Awareness-Raising
- The Mitsubishi Materials Group provides all executives and employees of each Group company with the training and capacity building necessary to put this Policy into practice.
- 7. Reporting and Disclosure
- The Mitsubishi Materials Group periodically discloses the progress of efforts based on this Policy.
- 8. Commitment to Human Rights Issues
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- Prohibition of Forced Labor and Human Trafficking
We do not permit forced labor. We also do not tolerate modern slavery in any form, including bonded labor and human trafficking.
- Prohibition of Child Labor
We prohibit child labor and observe the statutory minimum working age. In addition, we do not allow young workers to engage in hazardous labor.
- Prohibition of Discrimination
We do not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, age, disability, nationality, national origin, social origin, or personal history.
- Prohibition of Harassment
We do not tolerate behavior, whether physical or psychological, which threaten the dignity of individuals. These include power harassment, sexual harassment, harassment related to pregnancy, and other forms of harassment such as those related to childcare and nursing care leave.
- Promotion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We aim to build workplaces where team members with diverse attributes, values, and experiences can coexist, and respect one another in an equitable manner, and where individuals can work confidently with a sense of growth and fulfillment as they elevate each other and demonstrate their capabilities to the full.
- Respect for Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining
We engage in constructive dialogue between labor and management and respect the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
- Working Hours and Wages
In accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the countries and regions in which we operate, we duly manage employees' working hours, holidays, vacations, and wages.
- Occupational Safety and Health
In accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the countries and regions in which we operate, we protect the safety and health of employees and aim to create workplaces that are conducive to maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.
- Respect for Privacy
We respect and protect the privacy of individuals. When handling personal information, we comply with relevant laws, regulations, and internal rules.
- Impact on Local Communities
We recognize that the Group’s business activities may have an impact on local communities such as the health of local residents, land rights, access to water, and indigenous peoples’ rights. We respect local cultures and customs, engage in dialogue and consultation with local communities, and take necessary actions in accordance with relevant international norms to prevent and mitigate any negative impact on the rights of local residents.
- Responsible Procurement of Raw Materials and Minerals
We work together with our suppliers to procure raw materials and minerals in a responsible manner. Specifically, we ensure that our suppliers are fully aware of our procurement guidelines and conduct supplier evaluations. We also work together with our suppliers to promote cooperation with industry associations and international initiatives.
- High Risk Circumstances
In the event that we are confronted with a specific situation or environment where there is a high risk of human rights abuses, we, based on the basic principle of respect for human rights, will strive to prevent such abuses with the utmost care.
This Policy has been approved by the Executive Officers’ Meeting after deliberation at the Board of Directors of Mitsubishi Materials Corporation.
(Stipulated on December 1, 2021)
(Last Revised on December 13, 2021)