Launch of the First Round of the Japan-U.S. Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains

Established in January 2023, the Task Force aims to protect and promote human rights and internationally recognized labor rights in supply chains. Its activities include sharing information on respective trade policies, laws, guidelines, and, where 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 U.S. businesses, worker organizations and civil society organizations, took place virtually on February 6 and February 14, Japan time.

During the government-to-government dialogue, both countries exchanged information on relevant initiatives to protect and promote human rights and internationally recognized labor 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 labor-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 U.S. governments presented their respective policies on business and human rights. Businesses, worker organizations, civil society organizations and the United Nations introduced their initiatives, including ones related to human rights due diligence.

Participating ministries and organizations

Government-to-government dialogue

• Japan: Ministry of Economy, Trade and industry; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
• United States: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection

Stakeholder dialogue

• Japan：
  （Government） Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Justice
  （Private） Keidanren （Japanese Business Federation）, RENGO (Japanese Trade Union Federation), The Global Alliance for Sustainable Supply Chain, ACE (Action against Child Exploitation)
  （UN） International Labour Organization Office for Japan
• United States：
  （Government） Office of the United States Trade Representatives, Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection
  （Private） US Council for International Business （USCIB）, Intel (in the capacity of the Public Private Alliance), the AFL-CIO, Verité, the Responsible Sourcing Network (RSN）

Related Material

• Memorandum of Cooperation on the Japan-U.S. Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains(PDF:142KB)

Related Link

• Minister Nishimura Signs a Memorandum of Cooperation on the Japan-U.S. Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains

Division in Charge

Business and Human Rights Policy Office, Minister’s Secretariat