Research Activities
Research Projects
FY 2016/2017 Research Topic: A-4
Business and Human Rights in Emerging Markets: Baseline Study on Japanese Corporations and the Challenges Ahead and Building a Platform for Formulating a National Action Plan
Outline
While there are expanding business opportunities that are contributing to economic growth in emerging markets and developing countries, there are also increasing challenges for Japanese businesses in terms of human rights issues, such as labour, environment, and community engagement. Recognizing the significant importance of the UNGPs endorsed by the HRC in 2011 and further implementation thereof by developing NAPs as declared in Elmau G7 in June this year, Japan is expected to play an active role as a member in contributing to further respecting human rights by promoting Japanese entities’ corporate responsibility to respect human rights.
This research will survey the policies, measures and practices related to business and human rights in Asian countries where Japanese businesses are active. It will also look into how Japanese businesses should integrate the respect for human rights into their core operations and how the Japanese government can support them through its policies and measures. At the same time, we will organize seminars and workshops to promote the UNGPs and create a platform for discussing the issue among the multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, companies and civil society groups, in order to pave the way for Japan’s National Action Plan.
Our research project will facilitate business and human rights discussion in Japanese society and provide the data and information necessary for further implementation of the UNGPs by the Japanese government and corporate entities.
Period
April 2016 - March 2017
Members of the Research Project
| [ Organizer ] | YAMADA Miwa |
| [ Co-researchers ] | SATO Hiroshi |
| [ Co-researchers ] | KOBAYASHI Masayuki |
| [ Co-researchers ] | HAYAKAWA Kazunobu |
| [ Co-researchers ] | SAKAI Takuji (Director-General, Overseas Research Department) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | IKEBE Ryo (Asia and Oceania Division, Overseas Research Department) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | FUJIE Hideki (Asia and Oceania Division, Overseas Research Department) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | SHIINO Kohei (International Economy Division, Overseas Research Department) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | KINOSHITA Yukako (Japan Business Council in Europe) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | TAKAHASHI Daisuke (Shinwa Sohgoh Law Offices) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | KURODA Kaori (CSO Network Japan) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | SEKI Masao (Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc.) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | DOI Kanae (Human Rights Watch) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | YOSHIDA Masaya (Japanese Trade Union Confederation) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | OTA Keisuke (Global Compact Network Japan) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | UENO Akiko (Global Compact Network Japan) |
| [ Co-researchers ] | MORI Mariko (Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry) |
Publications
- IDE Policy Brief