Respect for Human Rights

Basic Approach to Human Rights

As corporate activities become ever more globalized, society has greater interest in the initiatives companies make towards human rights. We regard the human rights of all our stakeholders as a matter of the utmost importance.
As such, we support and respect the International Bill of Human Rights (which consists of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), as well as the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. We will not harass or discriminate on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, birthplace, language, beliefs, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical characteristics, disability, or other status. We are also acting in the respect of human rights by providing a safe and healthy working environment, giving our employees the right to freedom of association, and taking an active stand against child labor and forced labor.
More specifically, we comply with the NAGASE Group’s Compliance Code of Conduct to ensure that all our activities adhere to the principles of respect for human rights and individuality. If in the event of discrimination, we shall take immediate steps to investigate the situation, taking decisive measures to help the affected individual(s) and to prevent any recurrence including disciplinary action.

Respect for Personality and Individuality

Respect for Human Rights and Protection from Discrimination

Harassment has become a prominent issue in today’s society. Our officers and employees are working as one to prevent any form of explicit or implicit harassment in the workplace, be it sexual harassment or bullying. The company has set up channels of communication so that employees can report or discuss any issues relating to this kind of discrimination. In the event of any such contact, we shall take immediate steps to investigate the situation, taking decisive measures to help the affected individual(s) and to prevent any recurrence including disciplinary action.

Respect for Privacy

Our officers and employees respect the privacy of each and every individual and pay scrupulous attention to the handling of personal information, striving to manage such information appropriately.

Human Rights Education

The NAGASE Group’s Compliance Code of Conduct clearly states its respect for human rights. It is available as a booklet and through the company’s intranet, and all employees are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct. Nagase Viita also provides education on all forms of harassment for all its employees, from new recruits through to senior executives. We will continue to actively carry out training, striving to foster a greater awareness of human rights.

Internal Reporting System

We have introduced an internal reporting system with a contact point that employees and other staff can turn to directly to report issues and seek advice regarding seemingly problematic behavior.

  • The help desk accepts reports and provides advice on a wide range of compliance-related matters such as harassment, human rights violations, and bribery and other forms of corruption. Contact can be made anonymously if desired.
  • In addition to the Nagase Viita internal help desk, the NAGASE Group operates a headquarters help desk and also has a designated law firm to provide support. All contact points take due care to protect confidentiality.
  • Consultations and reports are accepted by letter, telephone, facsimile, or e-mail.
  • To ensure the confidentiality of each case, measures are taken to protect the personal information of the individual who makes contact, and ensure that they experience no negative consequences.
  • Nagase Viita will conduct investigations and take other actions in consideration of the rights of the party in question, not merely the whistleblower.