Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Japanese government announced on Friday the launch of a national action plan promoting “respect for human rights in the context of business activities,” in accordance with guidelines from the UN.

The plan will cover the next five years and contains a series of measures the government will implement relating to business and human rights. It was drawn up with cooperation from various ministries and agencies.

The UN Human Rights Council encouraged all countries to develop a national action plan using the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. More than 20 countries have already launched plans, mostly in Europe.

Japan first announced its intention to create the plan in 2016 and undertook a government-led study in 2018 to assess the existing situation in the country. It created an advisory committee and working group to bring the plan to completion.

“Through the implementation and promotion of the NAP and by encouraging responsible business conduct, the Government of Japan will endeavor to ensure the coherence of policy measures taken by the relevant ministries and agencies with regard to business and human rights,” said a statement from the government.

According to the statement, the protection of human rights is important to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals, another UN initiative. It also said that the government hopes to protect the rights of those negatively affected by business activities, including the international community.