Human RightsSustainability

Fundamental Approach and Issue Awareness

The JERA Group bears an important responsibility of high public interest in supporting society and the economy— providing a stable supply of energy. As a company with a global value chain spanning upstream development to transportation, storage, power generation, and sales, we strive to maintain and expand a stable supply chain at a time when human rights issues such as harassment, discrimination, and poor working conditions become increasingly urgent. We recognize the importance of promoting human rights efforts for us to meet our responsibilities of stable maintenance and expansion of a value chain that supports Japan’s energy and helps solve the world’s energy issues. We also believe that employees can only reach their full potential in a comfortable work environment free from discrimination and harassment. The JERA Group is committed to acting with integrity and respect for human rights based on the highest ethical standards to fulfill our mission as a global company

JERA Group Human Rights Policy and System

In April 2022, we established the “JERA Group Human Right Policy” to serve as the cornerstone for achieving our philosophy. This policy was founded in accordance with international standards and social codes regarding human rights, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and applies to all directors and employees of the JERA Group. We make continuous efforts so as not to be complicit in any human rights violations by considering the potential impacts that our activities may have on stakeholders, including our customers and communities. Accordingly, we are in the process of building an internal system to identify, prevent, mitigate, monitor, and correct any matters regarding human rights that require special attention. This policy has been made public on our website, disseminated internally, and shared with JERA Group companies. We will continue sharing information on human rights activities in regular liaison meetings with our group companies.

Human Rights Education and Training

In August 2022, JERA conducted its first internal human rights training for all employees on topics including business and human rights risks, as well as harassment prevention. The training used case studies to introduce human rights issues that could impact corporate activities, key points to preventing harassment, and considerations for the LGBTQ+ community. Following the training, participants were also tested on their comprehension to raise and reinforce human rights awareness.

In addition to this human rights training, we will conduct regular education and awareness activities, such as seminars that align with Japan’s Human Rights Week.

Promotion of Human Rights Due Diligence and the Establishment and Operation of a Human Rights System

Promotion of Human Rights Due Diligence and the Establishment and Operation of a Human Rights System
As we expand our business globally, we aim to establish a human rights due diligence (DD) mechanism that respects the rights of our supply chain and beyond. This mechanism is based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, and Japan’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. In FY2021, through the advice and cooperation of outside experts, we identified and segmented those issues considered to have a significant negative impact according to past human rights incidents and reports issued by government agencies and human rights NGOs. We looked at efforts implemented to address these issues, measured our progress and planned our direction based on the results of these efforts, and kept management informed via our internal Risk Management Committee and the Board of Directors.

Relief Mechanisms for Human Rights and Other Issues

In FY2021, JERA established its Internal Rules for Harassment Prevention to maintain a healthy work environment for its employees. Our employment regulations prohibit any inappropriate behavior that infringes on human rights, such as sexual harassment and power abuse, and provide for disciplinary measures that include dismissal. The Internal Rules for Harassment Prevention are designed to delineate specific examples of inappropriate behavior and clearly stipulate the responses and other actions available in these cases.

In accordance with these internal rules, consultation services have been established internally at our Labor Affairs and Human Resources Group and externally at partner legal offices to address harassment and other inappropriate behavior infringing on human rights. The Labor Affairs and Human Resources Group responds accordingly in cooperation with the relevant workplace parties and, if necessary, consults with outside legal counsel.

From FY2022, our consultation desks will expand and be open to JERA Group companies and business partners.

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