Special Feature:Business and Human Rights | Sustainability

With the emphasis placed on respecting human rights in corporations, Ricoh invited Mr. Hyogo of The Children Japan, two of Mr. Horie, and Mr. Tase, SDG Partners Co., Ltd., as a facilitator, to receive comments on Business and Human Rights approach and initiatives in the Ricoh Leasing Group.

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We take pictures of new types of coronavirus infections with due consideration for the prevention of infection.The facilitator also participated online.

①Facilitator
SDG Partners LLC
Representative Director CEO
Kazuo tase
He is a visiting scholar at New York University Law School.Joined the ministry of foreign affairs in 1992.He has served in the Government Nations Policy Division, Human Rights and Refugees Division, Africa Division II, United Nations Administrative Division, and First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations.Retired in 2014.Established SDG Partners in 2017 through Deroit Tohmatsu Consulting Executive Officer, etc.

②Save the Children Japan, a public interest incorporated association
Partner Relations Department
General Manager
Koji hyodo
For about 20 years, he was in charge of media, sales, and marketing at an advertising company and an operating company.2009 Annual Save the Children Department.Managers of marketing, corporate collaboration, and fundraising.Save the Children International Company Cooperation Promotion Advisor, NGO-Corporate Cooperation Promotion Network.

③Save the Children Japan, a public interest incorporated association
Advocacy department
General Manager
Yumiko horie
After working for Kyodo News, he studied development assistance at a graduate school in the UK, and was stationed in Cambodia for an NGO project.Joined Save the Children Japan in 2002.2010 In charge of policy proposals such as development assistance policies and SDGs.Currently, we are leading policy recommendations for the realization of the rights of children at home and abroad.

④Ricoh Leasing Co., Ltd.
Representative Director President Executive Officer
Tokuharu nakamura

⑤Ricoh Leasing Co., Ltd.
Director Managing Executive Officer
(Director in Charge of Sustainability)
Hirosumi Sano

⑥Ricoh Leasing Co., Ltd.
General Manager, Executive Officer Human Resources Division
Yuichi araki

Tase

UN Guiding Principles Specify Corporate Responsibility

Today, with the theme of "Business and Human Rights," we will proceed with a round-table discussion based on the perspective of children's rights.The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), adopted by the United Nations in 2011, expresses the responsibility for respect for human rights in companies in addition to the obligations of the state to protect human rights, and has become a global norm over the past decade.In recent years, human rights violations and child labour have been closely watched in the company supply chain, and the priorities of ESG-related investment have increased. In addition to UNGP, initiatives such as human rights due diligence are progressing in Japan, centered on large corporations.In the midst of this trend, first of all, what is the idea of Ricoh Lease from President Nakamura?

Nakamura

To "correct" for a prosperous future

I was appointed president of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.When I was working from home, I heard the voices of children playing outdoors, and I felt that I had to create a prosperous future for children.I also felt that we must be strongly aware of human rights issues and incorporate them into our corporate activities.The Company's management philosophy is to "bridge the prosperous future with our unique financial services." What is the prosperous future?It is the future of children as well as adults, and we must not stop this connection.As a leasing company, we believe it is necessary to demonstrate to the world our stance of addressing "right" with consideration for human rights, and not tackling unwanted matters.

Hyodo

The future of a company that considers children is bright.

Listening to President Nakamura's thoughts, I felt that the future of Ricoh Leasing is bright.Even if the sustainability and CSR divisions of a company understand human rights issues, they may not be able to talk to management even to children's rights.Japanese industries are increasingly tackling the issue of human rights through the flow of SDGs, and there is a trend for leading companies to seek solutions not only for their own companies but also for the entire industry.In Europe and the United States, where human rights issues are a high concern, we are continuing trading by normalizing parts of child labor rather than switching to other companies when we find child labor in our business partners.This is to maintain employment in the region and prevent economic stagnation.

Horie

Business principles with a view to children's rights

Now, as there are environmental problems such as climate change and natural disasters and threats of conflict, there are more companies like President Nakamura who carry out responsible business as they see them as investment in future generations.However, since UNGP had no perspective on children's rights, in 2012 Save the Children created 10 principles of the "Child Rights and Business Principles" (CRBP) in collaboration with the UN Global Compact.Japanese version was released in 2014.

Tase

Ricoh Leasing's Approach to Human Rights Issues

Thank you very much.Next, regarding Ricoh Lease initiatives, could you give Mr. Araki's personnel and employee human rights from the viewpoint of sustainability management?

Araki

Creating a workplace that takes into account each individual's circumstances

In terms of human resources, we have been working to create a better work environment by considering work methods and processes in line with our basic stance in our management philosophy, "We will create an environment where each individual can work with respect and enthusiasm.The idea of pursuing productivity and efficiency alone has been renewed.Currently, we are expanding our support system for balancing childcare and nursing care, and few retire from work for marriage, childbirth, and childcare.In order to encourage men to take part in housework and childcare, which is a social issue, we have also established the "Childcare ☆ Challenge Leave System."I feel that the company is becoming more active by creating an environment in which employees can set their own places and times of work.

Sano

A company's action plan based on NAP is required.

When I was a child, I never imagined forced labor or child labor when I helped out at home.While such problems are rarely encountered in Japan, there are cases where problems arise in the global supply chain.In line with the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPs) formulated by the national government in 2020, it is vital that Ricoh Leasing formulate policies and action plans for sincerely addressing human rights issues.

Tase

Human rights and education are closely related

We express our respect for our advanced initiatives.Child labor in the supply chain is known as decent work by the International Labour Organization and wellbeing in ESG investments.On the other hand, there is not much discussion from the perspective that the way parents work in Japan affects children's rights.Human rights and education are closely related, but what can companies do in this respect?

Horie

Education is an investment in the future and fundamental human rights

As for NAPs, NGOs have also worked to protect and promote children's rights and incorporate CRBP in cross-sectional matters.I hope that the government will make this awareness and encourage companies to take concrete actions.I feel that Ricoh Leasing has the impact of changing corporate activities in the world by focusing on the selection of lease destinations and investment standards from the viewpoint of children's human rights.In COVID-19 pandemic, women take responsibility for housework and childcare even if they work from home, and domestic discomfort, domestic violence (DVs), and child abuse are increasing due to various stresses.In Japan, corporal punishment was prohibited in 2020 due to the amendment of the Child Welfare Law and the Law Concerning Prevention of Child Abuse. It is also important to provide support and raise awareness by the government and companies after the law came into effect.Education is fundamental human rights, as well as investment in children who will create the future.We are also encouraging free education, but we would like to see companies provide support for children who want to receive education but cannot, as well as mental health care for parents and children.

Nakamura

Fostering values that respect children's individuality

We are currently working to build relationships that recognize diversity through in-house training and environmental development so that each and every employee within the company can have a high awareness of human rights.It is important for parents to recognize their children as individuals, not possessions.Since the absolute values of parents and eyes are old, we will nurture new values tailored to the Reiwa Period and disseminate them outside the company.

Araki

Providing opportunities for employees to discuss and improve their knowledge

The concept of Human Resources division is "Happiness αt work."Each of us will be happy through what we want to do.We respect each other as a prerequisite.To this end, since last year we have been educating the management team on our management philosophy and SDGs.In the future, we will increase the number of opportunities for discussions between directors and employees, as well as between employees, to raise awareness and knowledge within the company.In terms of human rights, I imagine power harassment and sexual harassment. However, I thought that the impact of the transfer of parents on the rights of children must be taken into consideration.

Sano

Fostering Fans for Children for the Future

In a company, new employees in their early twenties and people in their sixties who have reached retirement age work in the same workplace, and it is necessary to incorporate their respective values into an action plan.UNGP will be communicated in an easy-to-understand manner so that SMEs' customers can also tackle human rights issues.I would also like to let the children know about the company's efforts and nurture their future fans.Because the hero of childhood is an adult.We believe that these perspectives are important for sustainability management.

Horie

For future realization through multiple-sector dialogue

It's fabulous! In order to realize a sustainable society, it is important to engage in dialogue with different sectors, rather than with governments, companies, and NGOs alone.So we will find common objectives and proceed.As an NGO, we can help with in-house training and other activities, so we would appreciate it if you could contact us.

Hyodo

Ricoh Lease is a Leading Model to Change Society

Today, Ricoh Leasing has already decided to do so, and I have the impression that I heard a strong determination.I hope that the people of the world will recognize that children have rights, such as President Nakamura's talk about recognizing the diversity of individuals.In addition, since action plans should also be implemented by SMEs, Ricoh Lease will encourage suppliers to work in advance, which will strengthen ties with customers and serve as an opportunity to change society.

Nakamura

Aiming to realize a healthy society

The roles of corporations vary, and there are aspects of profit objectives, but it is important to work "correctly" as mentioned at the beginning.Let's continue to work together to realize a society where everyone can work and live fairly in a healthy world.

Ricoh Leasing Group Human Rights Policy

Society Special Feature: Business and Human Rights