Japan's industry ministry has called on businesses to promote efforts to respect human rights, and released documents that explain various related cases around the world.

Last year, the ministry compiled guidelines for corporate efforts to support human rights, such as abolishing forced and child labor.

The guidelines urged businesses to check whether companies in their supply chains and partner firms are violating human rights.

On Tuesday, the ministry released documents citing products that businesses should take caution about possible human rights violations.

The documents say forced and child labor have been reported at cacao and coffee farms, as well as apparel factories and mines.

They also highlight violations of the right to unionize and bargain collectively with management, as well as infringement of the rights of indigenous people and local residents.

Industry minister Nishimura Yasutoshi told reporters that he hopes the documents will help promote actions to protect human rights, and strengthen competitiveness of Japanese businesses in global markets.