Orion Group Human Rights Policy

Human Rights Policy

1. Basic Approach

As a company rooted in the rich nature and culture of Okinawa, Orion Group respects the right of all people to live with dignity and contributes to the realization of a sustainable and fair society through our business activities. In alignment with our mission, “Proudly from Okinawa, Orion makes people, makes occasions, helps the world smile.” we require understanding and adherence to this policy from our entire Orion Group, its officers and employees, and our business partners.

We commit to international human rights standards (Notes 1-3) and aim to provide a fair and safe environment for all stakeholders, including employees, business partners, and the community, fostering a corporate culture that respects human rights. Recognizing that addressing human rights issues in our business activities is crucial for fulfilling our human rights responsibilities, this policy serves as a guideline for specific actions the Orion Group undertakes to protect human rights. We will continue to deepen our understanding and awareness of human rights through dialogue with all people and fulfill our social responsibilities.

2. Human Rights Policy

Human rights are essential rights inherent to all individuals. Orion Group emphasizes human rights respect in all our business activities, based on the belief that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This policy serves as a guideline for the entire Orion Group and applies to all its officers, employees, and business partners.

Orion Group’s business spans not only beer manufacturing but also hotel operations. We recognize the direct and indirect impact on human rights throughout the entire supply chain, from raw material procurement, manufacturing, transportation, and sales to consumption, utilization, and disposal, as well as in our hotel operations. Therefore, we expect our business partners to understand and adhere to this policy.

We support and commit to practicing human rights based on international human rights norms, such as the International Bill of Human Rights (Note 1), the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (Note 2), and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Note 3).

Additionally, we will comply with national and regional regulations and explore ways to maximize our respect for human rights if there are any contradictions with international human rights standards.

  1. The International Bill of Human Rights consists of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the two Covenants that make it legally binding: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out the fundamental human rights to be universally respected.
  2. The ILO Declaration, adopted in 1998 and revised in 2022, establishes minimum standards for work, including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced labor, the abolition of child labor, the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, and the assurance of a safe and healthy working environment.
  3. The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, unanimously endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011, provide a global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse human rights impacts linked to business activity. The principles emphasize the state’s duty to protect human rights, the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, and the need for adequate remedies for affected people.

3. Key Human Rights Issues in Our Business Activities

We recognize that addressing the following human rights issues related to our business activities is a crucial element of our human rights commitments.

Non-Discrimination
We respect individual human rights and diversity (nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, gender, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, employment status, etc.) and will not engage in any acts that undermine individual dignity. We provide a work environment and opportunities where individuals with diverse backgrounds can maximize their abilities.
Harassment
We prohibit all forms of harassment, including physical, mental, and sexual harassment, and ensure that all employees are treated with dignity. We enhance measures to prevent sexual harassment and discrimination or harassment based on gender identity, promoting a respectful workplace environment.
Forced Labor and Child Labor
We do not tolerate forced labor, child labor, human trafficking, or modern slavery. We enforce these prohibitions throughout our supply chain.
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Rights
We respect freedom of association and collective bargaining rights and, where these are restricted, we ensure appropriate dialogue opportunities with employees and take alternative measures to respect these rights.
Occupational Health and Safety
We comply with regulations and rules regarding workplace safety and health, ensuring a consistently safe and healthy work environment. We take appropriate protective measures against handling and exposure to hazardous substances.
Working Hours and Wages
We comply with regulations regarding working hours and wages in each country and region, striving to secure living wages for employees and their families. We prevent excessive work and protect employees’ health and rights.
Impact on the Supply Chain
We monitor and audit suppliers regularly, sharing and implementing our human rights policies, and encourage continuous improvement.
Impact on Local Communities
We recognize the impact of our business activities on local communities, particularly regarding land rights, water access, and indigenous rights. We engage respectfully and contribute to creating a sustainable society in communities where we operate.

4. Human Rights Governance Structure

To reduce the risk of human rights violations involving all stakeholders in our business activities, the Orion Sustainability Committee, chaired by the President & CEO, formulates and revises human rights policies, assesses progress towards goals, and reviews the implementation system. Significant human rights issues and important matters discussed by the Committee will be reported and supervised by the Board of Directors through the Executive Committee.

We assign human rights officers to each Group location, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to resolve human rights violations, fulfilling our responsibility to respect human rights.

5. Education and Training

To ensure that this human rights policy is thoroughly understood and adhered to throughout the Group, we provide appropriate training and education to all officers and employees.

6. Remedial Measures

If Orion Group is found to have caused or contributed to negative human rights impacts through our business activities, we will address the matter appropriately and offer remedies to victims following established procedures.

We operate a reporting hotline for employees regarding human rights issues, ensuring anonymity and confidentiality, and protecting whistleblowers from any disadvantages. We will also consider establishing a reporting hotline accessible to external stakeholders and will develop a grievance mechanism based on international standards, allowing reporting in various languages to reduce human rights violation risks.

7. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement on Human Rights

Following the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, we will identify, prevent, and mitigate negative human rights impacts related to our business activities by establishing a human rights due diligence system.

In addition to ensuring that Orion Group officers and employees do not engage in human rights violations, we will make efforts to prevent human rights violations by related stakeholders, ensuring opportunities for dialogue with stakeholders about actual or potential negative impacts on human rights. We will sincerely cooperate with stakeholders to improve and enhance our human rights practices.

8. Compliance with and Reporting on the Human Rights Policy

Orion Group will continuously monitor compliance with this human rights policy, making improvements as needed. We will periodically disclose our progress and specific activities promoting human rights respect on our website and through other channels, providing transparent information to all stakeholders.

This policy was approved by the Orion Group Board of Directors and signed by the President & CEO on January 23, 2025.

Formulated: January 23, 2025
President & CEO