Opinion Concerning Detailed Matters and Measures to Realize Access to Remedy to be Included in Revised National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights
March 18, 2025
Japan Federation of Bar Associations
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (the "JFBA") compiled its "Opinion Concerning Detailed Matters and Measures to Realize Access to Remedy to be Included in Revised National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights" dated March 18th, 2025, and submitted it on March 24th, 2025 to: the Prime Minister; the Minister of Justice; the Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare; the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Commissioner of the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency; and the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Policy Promotion for the Implementation of Japan’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
Summary of Opinion
With regard to the planned revision in 2025 of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights, formulated by the Japanese government to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the JFBA calls for including the following detailed matters and measures to realize access to remedy in the revised NAP.
1. With regard to judicial remedy, consider measures to reduce legal, practical and procedural barriers that could lead to a denial of access to remedy.
2. Establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) independent from the government.
3. Introduce an individual complaints procedure.
4. Strengthen the functions of National Contact Points (NCPs)
5. Promote the use of grievance mechanisms established by companies
6. Provide a specific roadmap for implementing items 1 to 5 above, set indicators to measure progress, and monitor its implementation.