Japan & US launch 1st round of human rights task force

Established in January 2023, the Task Force aims to protect and promote human rights and internationally recognised labour rights in supply chains. Its activities include sharing information on respective trade policies, laws, guidelines, and, wherever appropriate, enforcement practices.

The Task Force convened its first round co-chaired by director-general, multilateral trade system department/deputy director-general for business and human rights policy Kashiwabara Kyoko for Japan and by acting Assistant United States Trade Representative (AUSTR) Katy Mastman for the United States. The government-to-government dialogue, along with the dialogue with stakeholders, including Japanese and US businesses, worker organisations and civil society organisations, took place virtually on February 6 and February 14, Japan’s ministry of economy, trade and industry said in a press release.

During the government-to-government dialogue, both countries exchanged information on relevant initiatives to protect and promote human rights and internationally recognized labour rights in supply chains.

Japan focused its report primarily on the Guidelines for Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains, and its dissemination and awareness-raising efforts, alongside Japan’s engagement with developing countries. Meanwhile, the United States explained how labour-related matters are addressed under the USMCA and provided updates on the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and other initiatives.

In the stakeholder dialogue, the Japanese and US governments presented their respective policies on business and human rights. Businesses, worker organisations, civil society organisations and the United Nations introduced their initiatives, including ones related to human rights due diligence.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)