Human Rights: Initiatives
Initiatives
Training for all officers and employees
MC’s policies and guidelines, including those related to respecting human rights through its investment and financing proposals and supply chains, are accessible at any time via the Company intranet. These are communicated to all new recruits and reinforced through regular internal training sessions, including for employees in overseas offices and operating companies. Additionally, content related to human rights is incorporated into an annual e-learning program, which all officers and employees are required to complete to deepen understanding. Our results for FY2024 are as follows:
| Scope | Total Time Spent | Percentage of Training Participants* |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Consolidated Officers and Employees | 10 hours | 97.3% |
- *Average rate of participation for each training course
Training for MC | Employees
Please refer to the link below for details.
Dialogue and Visits with Operating Companies
In FY2025, in addition to holding our annual Business and Human Rights Seminar for a wide range of MC Operating companies, MC conducted individual workshops for Operating companies that had specific concerns regarding the formulation of human rights policies and the establishment of operational structures for grievance mechanisms.
Support for the Formulation of Human Rights Policies
MC visited subsidiaries and conducted workshops to support the development of human rights policies tailored to each company’s specific business activities.
During these workshops, MC shared the importance of having human rights policies that address company-specific challenges through dialogue. MC also discussed the policy formulation process, including how to reflect the elements required by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and incorporate them into concrete operational practices.
MC will continue to promote effective initiatives to respect human rights in collaboration with MC Operating companies in response to increasingly complex societal issues.
Support for Establishing Grievance Mechanism Operational Structures
MC, together with Toyo Reizo Co., Ltd. (Toyo Reizo), an MC Operating company, conducted a workshop aimed at building effective grievance mechanisms in fisheries operations and strengthening the capacity of personnel responsible for their operation.
Crew members aboard distant-water longline tuna fishing vessels, who may remain at sea for extended periods, face structural challenges due to limited access to remedy in the event of negative human rights impacts. To address this issue, MC and Toyo Reizo are working to establish a system that enables crew members to be aware of the grievance mechanism and submit reports directly using their own smartphones or other devices.
As part of these efforts, and with the cooperation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Japan Office, workshop participants learned practical methods for identifying risks and key considerations during interviews through simulations based on case studies. These exercises focused on ensuring appropriate responses to reports of serious human rights violations.
The lessons learned from this workshop will be reflected not only in the MC's seafood business but also in the operation of MC's own grievance mechanism.
Educational Support for Indigenous Youths in Australia through the Clontarf Foundation
Since FY2023, MC has supported the Clontarf Academy National Participant Funding Program, which promotes self-reliance among Indigenous youths. The Clontarf Foundation aims to help young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men complete secondary education by establishing Clontarf Academies in public schools across Australia. These academies offer programs designed to improve educational outcomes and support long-term success.
Friendship Camp for Parents and Children
Please refer to the link below for details about the program.
Examples of External Collaboration
Examples of Collaboration with International Organizations
MC leverages opportunities such as events organized by international organizations to stay informed about the latest developments in business and human rights.
In FY2025, MC participated in the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. Through these events, MC engaged in discussions on human rights initiatives with experts and other participants.
Participation in Initiatives
In FY2025, MC participated in the Business and Human Rights Task Force facilitated by the ILO Japan Office. Through this task force, MC engaged in discussions with other participants in the trading sector on industry-wide themes and practical approaches to advancing business and human rights initiatives. Topics included supply chain due diligence, stakeholder engagement, and training programs. By sharing best practices and lessons learned, MC further deepened its understanding of effective responses in the implementation of business and human rights initiatives.
- WBCSD,
- United Nations Global Compact (see the Participation in Initiatives page for further information)