Basic Philosophy on People
Basic Stance on Initiatives for Human Rights
Marubeni regards respect for human rights in accordance with world standards as an integral aspect of CSR, partly because we conduct business activities in various countries and regions all over the world. One of the matters to be observed in Marubeni's Compliance Manual is the "respect for human rights & prohibition of discrimination and sexual harassment." Here, the notion of human rights includes the fundamental human rights provided for by the Constitution of Japan, the Labor Standards Law, and by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and it also includes human right with regard to equal employment and other provisions prescribed by the ILO International Labor Standards. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted at the third session of the United Nations General Assembly in December 1948. In the preamble, it declares that respecting and ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms is a "universal standard" to be fulfilled by all peoples and all states. The ILO International Labor Standards established fundamental standards for labor. The standards are comprised of eight conventions in four categories, namely: (1) freedom of association, (2) prohibition of forced labor, (3) prohibition of discrimination in employment, and (4) prohibition of child labor. Aside from our Compliance Manual, in Fiscal 2007, Marubeni also added a rule for "not engaging in any kind of sexual harassment" to the work regulations. In addition, we have also established regulations related to measures for the prevention of sexual harassment, and we have endeavored to promulgate these regulations throughout our company.
Important Policies for Human Rights
Marubeni strives to maintain a "corporate culture that respects human rights," primarily through company training. The entire Marubeni Group is highly aware of human rights, and adheres to a spirit of respect for human rights, prohibition of discrimination, and prohibition of sexual harassment, a stipulated in the Corporate Principles and Compliance Manual.
(1) Ongoing Review of Training Materials
We continually review our training materials, and in Fiscal 2008 we again held training programs on human rights issues for employees at different levels and positions. We created and implemented training curricula that emphasize the importance of the avoidance and prohibition of all kinds of discrimination. In Fiscal 2009, we will continue to enrich the training programs for all levels of employees.
(2) Thorough Understanding of the Corporate Principles and Compliance Manual
The entire Marubeni Group, including foreign branch offices, use the Corporate Principles and Compliance Manual to promote business based on a spirit of respect for human rights.
(3) Training for Fairness in Hiring
We have used the Marubeni Recruiting Manual in various kinds of training opportunities to ensure full understanding by all employees. We have also distributed the Marubeni Recruiting Manual to recruitment staff in group companies, and we encourage its use in training, so that fair hiring practices can be established throughout the entire Marubeni Group.
(4) Provision of Training and Information through the Company Intranet
By enhancing the content of human rights-related sites on the web and by facilitating their use, we provide educational information to the entire Marubeni Group, including offices outside Japan, in order to encourage individual efforts to create a corporate culture that properly recognizes and respects human rights on a daily basis.
(5) Efforts of the Entire Marubeni Group
Through the activities of human rights committees in major group companies, and through human rights campaigns throughout the entire Marubeni Group, we are striving to boost the awareness of human rights in all of our employees.
Types of Internal Company Training and Associated Objectives
Marubeni is continuously developing respect for basic human rights through various training opportunities targeted at everyone from top-level management through department and section managers to general employees. By doing so, we believe that employees will increase their awareness of human rights.
Human Rights Training for Top-Level Management:
Top-level management deepens their understanding of human rights issues and corporate responsibilities, and they confirm that corporate management is conducted with an awareness of human rights.
Department Management Training:
To create a corporate culture that respects human rights, department managers should personally lead the creation of an environment that does not tolerate discrimination, and should guide subordinates to do the same.
Middle-Management Training:
Section managers should personally work toward creating a workplace free from all kinds of discrimination and sexual harassment, and should guide subordinates to do the same.
General Employee Training:
Employees should manage their own conduct, with a good understanding of the spirit of the Compliance Manual.
Strengthening the prevention of Sexual Harassment
Marubeni had previously specified the prohibition of sexual harassment in the Compliance Manual, but in the wake of the April 2007 revisions to the Equal Employment Opportunity Law in Japan requiring companies to have more strict treatment against sexual harassment in the workplace, we reviewed the regulations to stipulate our response in more specific terms. Sexual harassment in the workplace unduly affronts the dignity of individuals, and prevents employees from demonstrating their full abilities. Furthermore, such harassment inhibits the public order of the workplace, and is a serious issue with a great impact on the reputation of a company. At Marubeni, we believe sexual harassment in the workplace is unacceptable. For this reason, we made amendments to our work regulations, adding a rule for "the prevention of sexual harassment." Moreover, we released the "Measures for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment," which set out a definition of sexual harassment, prohibited acts, and penalties. Furthermore, by setting up a consultation desk in the Human Resource Department and by offering the "Door of Courage," we have worked hard toward the early detection and prevention of problems.
Contest for Human Rights Promotion Slogans
In order to raise human rights awareness, the Marubeni Group invites slogans from employees and their families during Human Rights Week each year under the theme, "Respecting human rights, and preventing discrimination and sexual harassment." The best slogans are listed in the company newsletter and on the Company Intranet, and are submitted on behalf of the Marubeni Group to the Industrial Federation for Human Rights.
Selected Human Rights Education Slogans for 2008
<Workplace Division>
- Think it over after putting yourself in the other person's position.
- Prejudice is not something to hold, it is something to throw away.
- Value everyone's individuality with a bright smile!!
- Respect each other's freedom. Take responsibility for your own freedom.
- Your "discipline out of love" could be an abuse of power against your subordinate.
<Family Division>
- You are never alone.
