Business Responsibility
Human Rights | Supply Chain | Quality | Social Contribution | Participation in Initiatives
Our Commitment to Human Rights
Renesas is committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights, including those outlined in the International Bill of Human Rights and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (Note 1). Recognizing these as minimum standards, Renesas conducts its business in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and supports the principles of the UN Global Compact. In cases where the laws and regulations of the country or region and the international standards on human rights are incompatible, Renesas will respect the international standards on human rights on the premise that we comply with the laws and regulations of the country or region. By aligning our operations with internationally recognized human rights standards, Renesas not only upholds its ethical responsibilities but also strengthens global trust, mitigates risk, and ensures sustainable growth across diverse markets.
Note 1: The international covenant on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Civil and Political Rights, as well as the international covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Human Rights Policy
Our human rights policy governs how we treat everyone - from our employees to our customers, communities and in our supply chain. Renesas has stated its commitment to respecting human rights in our Group Code of Conduct and in our Supplier Code of Conduct. Renesas Human Rights Policy was revised in 2024 and clearly articulates our commitment to respecting and promoting human rights in all aspects of our operations.
Human Rights Due Diligence & Risk Assessment
Following a self-assessment questionnaire, done in partnership with the Business for Social Responsibility and with support from PwC, we identified the following six key human rights risks within our major entities, both within the company and our supply chain:
- Safe and Healthy Working Environment
- Prohibition of Child and Forced Labor
- Working Hours
- Responsible Minerals Procurement
- Labor-Management Relations (Japan)
- Human Rights Education
To ensure we uphold our own high standards of integrity as well as meet stakeholder expectations on these critical issues, we are taking additional steps to identify, prevent and mitigate risks in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This includes our commitment to continuing to enhance our current human rights due diligence process, designed to prioritize the most significant risks.
Initiatives to Respect for Human Rights
Following the identification of six key human rights issues to be addressed within the Group and our supply chain,we will take additional steps to identify, prevent and mitigate risks in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
1. Safe and Healthy Working Environment
In accordance with “Basic Policy on Disaster Prevention, Health and Safety,” Renesas is working as one group to ensure the safety and health of our employees and maintain a safe and comfortable work environment and business operations.
With the global goal of “zero work-related accidents,” we are committed to identifying hidden risks and maintaining the workplace where Renesas employees and contractors work safely and in good health.
Learn more about Safe and Healthy Working Environment
2. Prohibition of Child and Forced Labor
At Renesas we are committed to maintaining the highest possible ethical standards in all aspects of business operations. We recognize our responsibility to uphold human rights and ensure fair labor practices. We do not engage in forced labor, child labor or human trafficking in any of our business activities.
In addition to company-owned facilities, our global suppliers are also required to comply with these obligations. The Renesas Supplier Code of Conduct stipulates our strict prohibition of child labor and forced labor.
Our commitments include the following measures:
- We implement thorough and stringent employment verification processes to ensure that all workers meet the legal working age requirements. This includes detailed documentation reviews and age verification procedures.
Our recruitment practices expressly preclude any form of forced labor or human trafficking which we enforce through strict oversight of employment practices in all the countries in which we operate.
Renesas Electronics Group Human Rights Policy
Renesas Supplier Code of Conduct
3. Working Hours
Renesas complies with the laws and regulations of each country. We properly manage working hours, holidays, and vacations to create an environment where our employees can work in good physical and mental health.
- In line with our Action Policy of “maintaining a work environment that respects work-life balance,” we promote ongoing efforts to reduce long work hours, encourage employees to utilize their planned annual paid leaves, and promote activities emphasizing “mental and physical health for employees.”
Learn more about Creating a Pleasant Workplace Environment
4. Responsible Minerals Procurement
To prevent human rights violation related to mineral procurement, we are working on responsible mineral procurement with a goal to source materials that does not contain conflict minerals.
Renesas is a member of the "Responsible Mineral Procurement Study Group" established by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) to practice responsible mineral procurement. We are a member of Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), which promotes responsible mineral procurement worldwide. By participating in the "Responsible Minerals Procurement Study Group" in collaboration with RMI, we aim to increase cooperation within the semiconductor industry and address conflict minerals issues such as the identification of smelters and refineries.
Renesas Electronics Group Human Rights Policy
Learn more about Responsible Minerals Procurement Policy
Renesas Responsible Minerals Procurement Policy
5. Labor-Management Relations (Japan)
Renesas respects the rights of employees to form and join trade unions and to engage in collective bargaining, in accordance with local laws. The company does not discriminate against employees based on union membership or participation in union activities.
In Japan, where union formation is permitted, eligible employees below the managerial level are members of the Renesas Group Labor Union Confederation, with certain exceptions such as HR and corporate planning personnel, as designated by the union.
Renesas and the union have entered into labor agreements in line with Japan’s Labor Union Law, based on mutual respect, sincerity, and trust. Both parties are committed to upholding their responsibilities in good faith to ensure constructive labor-management relations.
6. Human Rights Education
As part of our ongoing investment in human rights, we are establishing a dedicated working group alongside the rollout of a global learning management system (LMS). This integrated approach provides an opportunity to align our training content with the latest standards and best practices, ensuring that employees across all regions receive consistent, up-to-date guidance. Training completion data will support transparency and demonstrate our commitment to embedding human rights principles throughout the organization.
Ongoing and Future Initiatives
In parallel, we are actively developing a comprehensive, longer-term strategy to ensure sustained progress in this area and alignment between our human rights practices with global best standards and our organizational objectives.
Contributing to SDGs
Renesas’ efforts in respecting Human Rights contributes to these Sustainable Development Goals targets:
SDG 8.7 Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms
SDG 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
SDG 16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development