Respect for Human Rights
Commitment to Human Rights
The Aozora Bank Group Human Rights Policy clearly states that the Group intends to fulfill its responsibility to eliminate from its business operations any activities that are in opposition to the protection and promotion of human rights as well as any exploitative practices, including slavery, human trafficking, forced labor and child labor, while remaining dedicated to complying with applicable laws and regulations in the regions where it conducts business.
Human Rights Due Diligence Initiatives
We identified and evaluated human rights issues with a high potential negative impact and developed a human rights issues map in FY2023. We have been continuously inspecting and reviewing the map in accordance with changes in the business environment and other factors. In response to various types of guidelines and moves toward the clarification of responsibilities in the supply chain, we revised the Aozora Bank Group Outsourcing Policy in FY2024 and clarified items we would like to expect our suppliers to cooperate in, such as respecting human rights, under the section headed “Expectations for Suppliers.”
Remedial Initiatives (Grievances)
In addition to the customer complaint desk, the Aozora Group has established the Aozora Hotline Program for officers and employees to receive consultations and file reports on human rights issues. In FY2024, the scope of this system was expanded from officers and employees to suppliers and job seekers, thereby allowing the system to be accessed by a wider range of stakeholders.
Identification and Evaluation of Human Rights Issues with a High Negative Impact
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Response to Human Rights Issues with a High Negative Impact
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Human Rights Issue |
Current Response |
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① ⑦ ⑪ |
Our Investment and Lending Policies regarding Environmental and Societal Issues ban investments and lending sector-wide for businesses engaged in child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. When considering investments and lending to businesses that may violate human rights in conflict areas or aid in doing so, we examine whether customers have made efforts to reduce and avoid risks and make decisions on transactions with caution. |
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⑫ |
Aozora determines a policy for responding to each individual case according to reputational information and other matters related to individual business partners. |
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⑧ ⑬ |
We create a basic check sheet regarding outsourcing management for annual reviews of whether there is negative or reputational information related to matters such as outsourcees’ violation of human rights. Furthermore, when we place an order for construction, etc., we also produce an outside vendor risk evaluation check sheet to examine and evaluate risks related to the environment and human rights. |
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⑨ |
Aozora has formulated the personal information protection policy (Privacy Policy) and disclosed it at branches and on its website, while implementing organizational, personnel, and technical safety management measures such as the establishment of rules for managing personal data, training, and system improvements. |
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⑩ |
Aozora’s Code of Ethics and Conduct, which sets ethical and behavioral standards for our officers and employees, declares efforts to create workplaces free of discrimination and harassment, and we produce and disseminate a Compliance Handbook. We also regularly conduct training covering the various forms of harassment. |