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Forced labour fashion

Uyghur forced labour is deeply embedded in the global fashion industry.

In 2022, over 1 in 5 cotton garments sold globally are tainted by forced labour in the Uyghur Region. 23% of the world’s cotton comes from the Uyghur Region. 90% of China’s cotton comes from the Uyghur Region.

Research has shown that 100+ global fashion brands like Shein, Nike, Zara, and Hugo Boss have benefitted from state-sponsored forced labour practices. Fashion brands are STILL at high risk of profiting from Uyghur forced labour today.

Uyghur forced labour

Human rights reports found that over one million Uyghurs have been transferred from their homes and directly from detention centers to work in factories against their will.

Forced labour is tied to other human rights abuses Uyghurs are facing, including mass detention and surveillance. Some countries and the United Nations found that the Chinese government is committing crimes against humanity in the Region.

Corporate accountability

Civil society groups and governments are calling on corporations to end all business in the Uyghur Region due to the high risk of ties to Uyghur forced labour and for companies to apply a single global standard consistent with the requirements of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to their entire supply chain.

Currently, governments around the world are either considering or have adopted legislation that bans the imports of goods made with forced labour, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia.

Forced labour beyond fashion

Uyghur forced labour is pervasive in global industries beyond fashion, including technology, motor vehicles, energy, and agriculture.

  • 35% of the world’s solar-grade polysilicon used in solar panels supply comes from the Uyghur Region.

  • 10% of the world’s polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in building materials is produced in the Uyghur Region.

  • 20% of the world’s red dates are sourced from the Uyghur Region.

  • Over 100 brands are linked to seafood processing companies that have used Uyghur forced labour.

  • Major auto parts like steel, aluminum, copper, batteries, glass, tires, electronics, and interiors are likely made with Uyghur forced labour.

  • Tomato and pepper products, walnuts, beryllium, wind turbines, calcium carbide, rayon, gold, toys, and beauty products are also high-risk goods likely made with Uyghur forced labour.

In 2020, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute identified 82 global brands directly or indirectly linked to forced labour transfer programs in the Uyghur Region, including Apple and Volkswagen. Today, the supply chains of over 2,000 companies are tied to Uyghur forced labour.

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Graphics by Forced Labour Fashion. Photo by smsdesigns from Pixabay.