Human Rights Initiatives
We place “Respect for Humanity,” which is one of the AEON Foundational Ideals advocated by AEON Group, at the core of our corporate activities and strive to contribute to the realization of a society in which the dignity of all people is upheld.
Guided by our value of “Everything we do, we do it for our customers”, we are committed to respecting human rights and do not engage in any form of discrimination on the grounds of nationality, race, gender, educational background, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other personal characteristics.
In addition, we encourage each employee to listen to the voices of their colleagues and to treat one another with the same respect as themselves.
As part of our concrete initiatives, we require all employees to participate in human rights training programs. Through these programs, we reaffirm the AEON Human Rights Policy and proactively deepen our correct knowledge and understanding of human rights.
Approach and Policy on Respect for Human Rights
As a company providing financial services, we position the establishment of an environment in which the human rights of all stakeholders—including customers, employees, business partners, and local communities—are respected as one of the highest priorities in our business operations.
We respect and are committed to internationally recognized human rights standards, including the International Bill of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and the ILO Core Labour Standards, such as freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the prohibition of forced and child labor, and the elimination of discrimination in employment.
The Group’s approach to human rights and details of our initiatives in business activities are set out in the AEON Financial Service Group Human Rights Policy below.
The AEON Financial Service Group Human Rights Policy (PDF) is available here
Human Rights Due Diligence
Based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), we continuously conduct human rights due diligence to identify, prevent, mitigate, and address adverse impacts on human rights arising from our business activities.
Human rights due diligence constitutes a core process underlying our commitment to respecting human rights.
Human Rights Risk Management Initiatives
We identify and assess human rights risks arising from our business activities in Japan and overseas and conduct continuous monitoring based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). When risks are identified, we work in coordination with relevant departments to implement preventive measures and corrective actions. In cases where our business activities have caused adverse impacts on human rights, we take appropriate remedial measures.
Grievance Mechanisms and Remedy
We have established grievance mechanisms to receive human rights–related concerns and inquiries in a fair and confidential manner, ensuring that all stakeholders—including employees, business partners, and customers—can use them with confidence and peace of mind.
We have implemented protective measures—such as the acceptance of anonymous reports, the prohibition of retaliation, confidentiality safeguards, and a neutral response framework—to ensure that issues are appropriately addressed through improvements and remedies.
1．Employee Grievance Mechanism
We have established an internal grievance mechanism via our employee portal site for employees who are experiencing, or may experience, illegal, non compliant, or unethical conduct in the workplace—such as human rights violations or harassment—and who find it difficult to raise such concerns with their supervisors or other management personnel.
2. Business Partner Grievance Mechanism
We have also established a grievance mechanism for our business partners, including suppliers, contractors, franchisees, and agents. This mechanism enables them to report concerns related to forced labor, child labor, exploitative labor practices, discrimination or harassment, and unfair business practices.
This is an important initiative to ensure respect for human rights throughout the entire supply chain.
Click here for human rights related consultations and reports
https://www.aeon.info/en/sustainability/contact/?wovnSelectedLang=en
3. Process for Handling Consultations and Reports
When consultations or reports are received, we respond in accordance with a defined process that includes acceptance of reports (including anonymous submissions), fact finding, implementation of corrective measures, and the formulation of measures to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, on-site investigations are conducted, and the results are explained to the reporting party to the extent possible.
Based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), which call for ensuring “access to remedy,” we ensure transparency and fairness throughout this process.
Education and Awareness
We conduct ongoing education and awareness initiatives to ensure that all officers and employees understand and practice respect for human rights.
For all employees, we provide regular training programs covering human rights principles, the prevention of discrimination and harassment, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), customer protection, and related topics. The content of these programs is updated in line with societal trends.
For officers and managers, we offer specialized training on human rights due diligence, responses to labor related risks, and global human rights issues, thereby strengthening appropriate decision making and risk management at the organizational level.
Harassment training incorporates case studies based on actual examples, as well as specific procedures for responding to incidents.
Governance Framework
The Board of Directors is responsible for regularly overseeing whether initiatives related to respect for human rights are being appropriately implemented throughout the organization, and for providing direction and making improvements as necessary.
In addition, to promote respect for human rights, we have established a cross functional internal collaboration framework centered on specialized departments, including the Sustainability Department, Human Resources Department, Risk Management Department, and Legal and Compliance Department. Furthermore, we strive to enhance trust from society by ensuring a high level of transparency through disclosures, such as reports on the status of human rights due diligence and responses to significant risks.
Disclosure of Initiatives
We place great importance on communicating our initiatives related to respect for human rights to society with sincerity and transparency. Through our integrated report, this website, and other channels, we disclose our activities, progress, and challenges in a clear and accessible manner, thereby fulfilling our accountability.
In addition, our disclosure practices are guided by fundamental principles such as ensuring transparency, providing continuous and consistent communication, and reflecting stakeholder perspectives.