Sumitomo Forestry Strengthens Human Rights Initiatives by Utilizing "Dialogue Remediation Platform" ~ Joins Japan Center for Business and Human Rights (JaCER) ~

Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. (President: Toshiro Mitsuyoshi, Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) has become a full member of the Japan Center for Business and Human Rights (hereinafter, JaCER). Starting April 1, 2026, through the use of the "Dialogue Remediation Platform" provided by JaCER, we will begin accepting complaints and reports related to business and human rights issues. We will accept reports from all stakeholders, including not only employees but also those in the supply chain, to strengthen our human rights initiatives.

What is JaCER?

JaCER provides a non-judicial grievance mechanism platform, the "Dialogue Remediation Platform," which resolves issues through third-party mediation, in compliance with the "UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights*¹." It is an organization that aims to support and promote grievance resolution for member companies from a professional standpoint.

(Reference) JaCER's website: https://jacer-bhr.org/index.html

Overview of the Dialogue Remediation Platform

Eligible Cases:

Cases related to business and human rights issues, involving violations or suspected violations of international norms of conduct such as the International Bill of Human Rights, and domestic norms of various countries*².

Eligible Regions:

All regions, both domestic and international.

Eligible Users:

All stakeholders are eligible, including not only the company's own employees but also people working for business partners in the value chain, local communities who are adversely affected from a human rights perspective, or those who may be adversely affected, and their representatives.

Reporting Channel (JaCER Reporting Form):

https://jacer-bhr.org/application/form.html

Start Date of Use:

April 1, 2026

International guidelines such as the "UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights" require companies to establish mechanisms that allow all stakeholders, including not only their own employees but also business partners and local residents involved in business activities, to report concerns and have them processed appropriately. This "grievance mechanism" plays a crucial role in enabling early detection and prompt response to human rights violations, minimizing the negative human rights impacts caused by corporate activities. Establishing a transparent dialogue remediation system also leads to an improvement in the company's social trust.

Sumitomo Forestry Group's Initiatives for "Grievance Mechanisms"

Until now, we have established a compliance counter, harassment consultation desk, and global internal reporting desk to create a system for accepting reports and consultations from employees. By utilizing the "Dialogue Remediation Platform," we are creating an environment where a wide range of stakeholders, including group employees and business partners, can use the service. We will establish a dialogue and resolution process through a third party, ensuring even greater fairness and transparency.

(Reference) Sumitomo Forestry Group's human rights initiatives: https://sfc.jp/information/sustainability/social/human-rights/

*1 An international norm for human rights respect in corporate activities, unanimously adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011. It consists of three pillars: the state's "duty to protect human rights," corporate "responsibility to respect human rights," and "access to remedy."

*2 Routine complaints and grievances are not covered.

Looking ahead to 2030, the target year for the SDGs, the Sumitomo Forestry Group has formulated its long-term vision "Mission TREEING 2030." In this long-term vision, we have identified nine key issues from the perspectives of "value for the global environment," "value for people and society," and "value for the market economy." In the medium-term management plan "Mission TREEING 2030 Phase2" (2025-2027), which is in its second year, we have set "further integration of business and ESG" as one of our basic policies. We will continue to meet societal expectations, including the SDGs, and enhance corporate value.