Promoting Business and Human Rights: ACE's Voice at the Roundtable Conference

Yuka Iwatsuku, the representative of the certified NPO ACE, has been actively taking part in critical discussions surrounding human rights in the business landscape. As the Secretary-General of the Business and Human Rights Civil Society Platform (BHRC), Iwatsuku represented civil society at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' roundtable conference on July 29, 2025, focusing on the government’s action plan for business and human rights.

This roundtable serves as a platform for diverse stakeholders including governments, businesses, and civil society to exchange views on the formulation of Japan's updated National Action Plan (NAP). The Japanese government is set to revise its NAP in fiscal year 2025, making it a pivotal moment for human rights advocacy within corporate practices.

Since its inception in 1997, ACE has championed the complete eradication of child labor and the protection of children's rights. Iwatsuku, representing ACE, has emphasized the necessity of dialogue and engagement with various stakeholders, particularly businesses, to promote respect for human rights. She believes that collaboration amongst corporations and civil entities is essential to ensure a comprehensive approach to human rights. In the roundtable setting, she advocated for the strengthening of stakeholder alliances and the enhancement of transparency in the revision process, alongside proposals for gap analysis and considerations for establishing domestic human rights institutions.

The BHRC, where Iwatsuku holds a prominent role, operates as a network that aims to reflect civil perspectives in the formulation of policies regarding corporate respect for human rights. This platform includes NGOs, labor groups, legal experts, and academics, working collaboratively to promote dialogue and actions that address human rights issues in business contexts.

In the discussions at the roundtable, Iwatsuku provided strategic recommendations regarding critical topics, including the need for integrating the voices of those affected by rights violations in the policy-making process. Her commitment is to contribute towards a society where no one is left behind, advocating for changes that align with the realities faced by marginalized communities.

ACE's mission underscores the importance of corporate responsibility in human rights due diligence and remedy frameworks, responding effectively to the principles set forth by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights established in 2011. The urgency for structured and impactful actions is especially high as the 2025 iteration of the NAP looms, wherein stakeholders are encouraged to engage proactively in the implementation and review processes.

In conjunction with its national outreach, ACE also focuses on protecting children from hazardous labor in cocoa production areas in Ghana, while raising awareness about child labor issues in Japan. ACE was founded by a group of five students in 1997, inspired by the global march against child labor initiated by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi in 1998. In recognition of its commitment to sustainable development, ACE was awarded the SDGs Promotion Headquarters Award in March 2023, marking a significant milestone as the first international NGO to receive such honor.

As the dialogue continues, Iwatsuku and ACE remain steadfast in their mission to incorporate the experiences and voices of affected individuals into meaningful policies, advocating for a just and equitable society for all.

For inquiries regarding this article, please contact:
Certified NPO ACE, Akasaka - Aoi
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-3835-7555 (Weekday hours: 10 AM to 5 PM)
Website: ACE Japan