Basic Policy

Nichino Group respects Human Rights and diverse values of all people and contributes to the establishment of a society free from discrimination and prejudice.
 

1. Respect for Human Rights

Nichino Group regards respect for human rights as one of the most important management priorities for sustainable business promotion and is committed to respecting the internationally defined human rights* of all people and promoting business activities in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the 10 principles of the Global Compact.
Nichino Group Human Rights Policy (hereafter referred to as the Policy) is aligned with the Basic Principles, Group Action Charter, Sustainability Basic Policy, and incorporates the Human Rights Basic Policy (adopted on 24 May 2021). This policy serves as a guideline for the Group's approach regarding respect for human rights. This policy details the Group’s commitment to respect for human rights of all stakeholders involved in its business activities.
*Human rights as defined by international norms related to Human Rights, such as the UN's International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organisation's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
 

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees and directors of Nichino Group. In addition, the Group strives to fulfil its responsibility to respect human rights in cooperation with its business partners, including suppliers and other businesses involved in the Group's operations, products and services, by encouraging them to endorse this policy.

3. Supervisory and executive responsibility

Supervisory responsibility of Nichino Group's Human Rights Management shall be borne by the President of Nichino Group. Responsibility for the implementation of the Group's Human Rights Management is assumed by the Division Manager of the Administration Division of Nichino Group.

4. Addressing key human rights issues

Nichino Group operates in various countries and regions and considers the following Human Rights issues to be particularly important to address in fulfilling its responsibility to respect Human Rights.


（1）Prohibition of discrimination and harassment
Nichino Group does not discriminate or act in a way that could lead to discrimination on the grounds of race, belief, religion, nationality or country of origin, ethnic group or social class, language, age, sex or gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability or health status, marital or family status, labour union membership, political opinion or employment status. We are also committed to fostering a corporate culture that does not tolerate such discrimination. In addition, Nichino Group does not tolerate any harassment that offends the dignity of individuals or causes mental or physical discomfort to others in all its business activities.


（2）Guarantee of proper working conditions and healthy and safe working environments
We are committed to ensuring proper working conditions concerning wages, benefits, working hours, etc. In addition, we pay attention to the safety and health of our workers and work on the development of a comfortable working environment.　We particularly work to prevent overwork through proper management of working hours.

（3）Respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining rights
We respect workers' rights, including the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.　Even in cases　where the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are restricted by national and regional laws and rules that do not meet international human rights standards, we seek ways to respect these rights by establishing alternative means of dialogue with workers.　

（4）Prohibition of forced and child labour
In all business activities, we do not tolerate or utilise forced labour in any form, including bonded labour, prison labour, debt labour and modern slavery, including human trafficking.　In addition, we do not keep certificates, permits or other documents relating to the status, activities or movement of workers by the company, as this could lead to forced labour.　Furthermore, we do not allow or exploit child labour in any form in all our business activities. We also do not engage young people in work that endangers the health and safety of workers.

（5）Protection of personal privacy and personal data
We respect and protect the privacy of individuals and strive to prevent the loss or leakage of personal data.

（6）Respect for the rights of local residents and consumers
In its business activities, Nichino Group respects the rights of local residents and consumers to access the land, water and health, among others. We conduct our business activities as a good corporate citizen and aim to respond to the demands and expectations of local residents and consumers.
 
（7）Respect for the Human Rights of Subjects during Clinical Trial Processes
In the pharmaceutical business, we encourage that business partners protect the dignity and Human Rights of subjects in the clinical trial process and ensure that relevant laws, regulations and ethical guidelines, including the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, are complied with.

5. In order to fulfil our responsibility to respect human rights

To fulfil its responsibility to respect human rights, the Group is committed to following the elements listed below.
 
（1）Compliance with laws and regulations and adherence to international Human Rights standards
We comply with the laws and regulations of the countries and regions in which we operate. However, where there are contradictions or divergences between internationally recognised Human Rights standards and the laws and regulations of each country or region, Nichino Group will seek ways to ensure these Human Rights are respected to the maximum extent possible.
 
（2）Implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence
Based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, we undertake due diligence to identify and assess the negative impact on Human Rights related to Nichino Group's business ('Human Rights Violation Risk'), and to prevent and mitigate the risk of Human Rights Violations.

（3）Education and training
Appropriate education and training are continuously provided to officers and employees to ensure that the importance of Human Rights Management is understood and that the principles of respect for human rights are steadily established through the implementation of this policy.

（4）Promotion of diversity
We recognise that the existence of diverse perspectives and values is essential for the Nichino Group's sustainable growth and promote the development and optimization of diversity within the Group and work to create a corporate culture in which diverse values are respected.

（5）Dialogue and consultation with stakeholders
We respect the culture and customs of the countries and regions in which we operate, recognise stakeholders who are or may be at risk of Human Rights violations, and further strengthen our efforts to respect Human Rights by engaging in dialogue and consultation with stakeholders on Human Rights issues related to our business activities.

（6）Corrections and remedies
Should Human Rights violations be identified due to or facilitated by Nichino Group's business activities, the Group will consult with the relevant stakeholders to rectify and remedy the situation.
 
（7）Disclosure of information
To further expand Nichino Group's Human Rights Management, the Group regularly examines its efforts to fulfil its responsibilities regarding its respect for Human Rights and discloses the relevant information as appropriate.
Approved by Board of Directors of Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd.