Companies around the world are faced with rapidly increasing levels of pressure to know and show the impact that their operations and those of their supply chains have on society. A growing number of countries have introduced normative provisions defining expectations of companies to respect human rights. Rising pressure by consumers and investors to not be associated with issues such as modern slavery are further reason for companies to prove that they take their human rights responsibilities seriously.

UNDP, with support from the Government of Japan, has launched the B+HR Academy, a three-step human rights due diligence guidance service for Japanese companies and their suppliers to better know the human rights impacts associated with their operations and establishing appropriate due diligence processes in Japan and 17 countries: Ghana, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Viet Nam.

The B+HR Academy comes at an important time, particularly as the Government of Japan advances efforts to strengthen the labour practices of Japanese companies. This includes the recent launch of its Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains. As noted in a statement by Asako Okai, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Crisis Bureau, these guidelines provide a valuable roadmap for advancing sustainable development for people, planet, and business. The B+HR Academy aims to provide companies with the knowledge and skills needed to follow through on the recommendations outlined in the guidelines. 

A virtual information session on 14 September provided an overview of the B+HR Academy to Japanese businesses and their suppliers. Through the programme, companies will have access to international and national business and human rights experts and will receive support in understanding human rights impacts and the role of businesses in minimizing these risks in the 17 target countries. This will be done through country context assessments, human rights due diligence training, and individual guidance sessions for companies.

The B+HR Academy will be conducted in Japan and the 17 target countries, kicking off in Tokyo and Osaka on 24-25 October and 27-28 October, respectively. For those interested in joining the training in Osaka, please apply here; registration is closed for the session in Tokyo.

Training sessions are already underway in target countries and will continue through the first quarter of 2023. Visit the B+HR Academy website for more details.

For more information, please contact Akiko Sato, Liaison Officer with UNDP’s Business and Human Rights Programme (Akiko.Sato@undp.org).