Ricoh 2012 Annual Report Download - page 34

Ricoh Group Sustainability Report 201233
Respect for People
As a company engaged in global business
Various issues related to the increasingly globalized economy are
emerging. Of these, human rights-related issues are the most extensive
and complicated. Respecting human rights has become increasingly
important to companies.
From the very beginning, Ricoh has been built on the foundation of
The Spirit of Three Loves—love your neighbor, love your country, and love
your work—Among the three loves, “love your neighbor” is the basis
of the Ricoh Group’s respect of human rights. We have cherished this
spirit since the foundation of the company, and in 2002, we announced
our participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). We
incorporated the UNGC’s principles on human rights and labor into the
corporate principles stipulated in the “CSR Charter” issued in the fall
of 2003 and into the “Code of Conduct,” which both executives and
employees are required to observe, based on which, efforts to address
human rights and labor issues have been undertaken.
Two elements in addressing human rights issues
The two main elements regarding respecting human rights are “risk
avoidance” and “corporate value improvement,” while giving due
consideration to all stakeholders involved in corporate activities.
The company monitors for the presence of child labor and forced
labor not only within its own organization but also within companies
in its supply chain. Our suppliers are required to comply with the Ricoh
Group Supplier Code of Conduct. The status of their compliance with the
code of conduct is regularly assessed by “CSR self-assessment” reports
and they are encouraged to make improvements, if necessary.
Emphasis is also placed on human rights issues in the context of the
mining of resources in conflict areas (conflict minerals issues), which has
recently been particularly controversial. We are addressing these issues
in cooperation with other organizations in the industry. In our efforts to
respect human rights, it is also important to ensure “health, security and
safety” for users of Ricoh’s products. We have promoted various activities
to achieve this objective, including provision of user-friendly products
that everyone can use with ease and promotion of “color universal design
activity,” in consideration to the diversity of color vision.
Recognizing fully that it is essential for a company that operates
globally to respect the culture and customs and appropriately consider
human rights in places where it develops business, the Ricoh Group has
given due consideration both to environmental conservation as well as
employment and training of human resources, regardless of when or
where in the world the Group conducts its business. We believe that this
approach helps us to gain the trust of local communities and contributes
to achieving both community development and business growth.
We fulfill our responsibilities as a company engaged in global
business through our business activities so as to create living and working
environments where anybody can live a secure, safe and comfortable life
and participate in community activities.
Respect for Human Rights
The Ricoh Group respects the rights of all those involved and takes
the initiative to avoid risks while enhancing corporate values
Human Rights
ISO 26000
■ Major international standards and regulations that are
referred to in addressing relevant issues
• The ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact
• Human rights guidelines based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business
and Human Rights (the Ruggie framework)
• Social responsibility standard—ISO 26000
• OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
• ILO international labour standards
■ The Ricoh Group’s past activities to ensure human rights
November 1991
The Human Rights Enlightenment Committee was established and staff in
charge of human rights enlightenment were assigned to each office and
plant and the Business Assistance Division.
October 1994
A guidebook for enlightenment of human rights “ Hito-o Aisu (Love your
neighbor)” was issued and education to raise awareness of human rights
was initiated.
September 1998 The Human Rights Counseling Center was established.
April 2002 Operation of a database on human rights and sexual harassment was
initiated.
April 2002 The company signed the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
November 2003 Respect for basic human rights was clearly stipulated in the Ricoh Group
CSR Charter and the Ricoh Group Code of Conduct.
January 2006
The Ricoh Group Supplier Code of Conduct was established, which
requested that suppliers respect basic human rights, and in 2009 the self-
assessment system was established.
April 2007 An organization to promote “diversity & work-life management” activities
was established.
April 2008 Color universal design activities (in consideration of the diversity of color
vision) were initiated.
December 2008 The company signed the CEO Statement for the 60th anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
February 2011 The company signed the United Nation’s Women’s Empowerment Principles.
March 2011 A stakeholder dialogue on human rights was held.
March 2012 The company announced its policy on conflict mineral issues.
Consideration of human rights in the supply chain See pages 56 and 58
Technologies that contribute to solve social challenges See page 42
■ Two elements in addressing human rights issues
1. Risk avoidance
1) Human rights due diligence
2) Recognition of the extent
of influence
3) Avoidance of conspiracy
2. Corporate value
improvement
1) Protection of consumers
2) Respect for diversity
3) Coexistence with communities