Forced Labour Research

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Forced Labour Research

Detainees in a Xinjiang's camp sitting in rows on the ground
Detainees in a Xinjiang internment camp located in Lop County, April 2017 

 

The Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice that conducts research on forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking. Our research has focused on the systematic forced labour of minoritized citizens in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Our reports, evidence briefs, and datasets inform advocacy groups, journalists, researchers, governments, corporations, and stakeholders about Xinjiang forced labour in international supply chains.

 

Evidence Briefs

The Helena Kennedy Centre has created a series of briefs to provide insight into the issue of forced labour in the Uyghur Region and to provide guidance on how to conduct research on corporate complicity, engage in ethical procurement, and respond responsibly to the crisis. We have also published supply chain updates on companies profiled in previous reports. Easy to digest, these briefs and updates are meant to introduce newcomers to the issue and keep experts and stakeholders up to date. Read them here.

 

Useful Resources

Check here for additional resources that can enhance your understanding of the crisis in the Uyghur Region, the situation of state-sponsored forced labour there and due diligence strategies for addressing the problem.

*Note: These resources do not constitute original research, but simply collated public data for public benefit. This information is for informational purposes only.

 

Get in touch

Contact the Helena Kennedy Centre to discuss facilities, partnerships, doctoral research and more

Government Submissions and Testimony

Murphy, Laura T. (2022), Submission of Public Comment to the U.S. Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force regarding the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and Methods to Prevent the Importation of Goods Mined, Produced, or Manufactured With Forced Labor in the Poeople's Republic of China, Especially in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Into the United States. (PDF, 166.9KB) March 2022.

Murphy, Laura T. and Nyrola Elimä (2022), Agricultural Sector Forced Labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. (PDF, 194.4KB) Input for the Report on Trafficking in the Agricultural Sector. Submitted to the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.

Murphy, Laura T. and Shawn Bhimani (2020), Xinjiang Forced Labour and the UK Supply Chain, Submission to UK Parliamentary Select Committee on Forced Labour in Xinjiang China. October 2020.

Murphy, Laura T. and Shawn Bhimani (2021), Submission to Inquiry into the Customs Amendment (Banning Goods Produced By Uyghur Forced Labour) Bill 2020, Submission to Australian Parliament.

Tobin, David, Laura T. Murphy, Rian Thum, Rachel Harris, and Jo Smith Finley (2021), State Violence in Xinjiang: A Comprehensive Assessment. Submission to the Uyghur Tribunal (PDF, 13.7MB), London, June 4-7, 2021.

Elimä, Nyrola (2021), Forced Labour and the Xinjiang Solar Industry. Statement before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

News

BBC (2021), 'If the others go I'll go': Inside China's scheme to transfer Uighurs into work2 March 2021.

The Globe and Mail (2021), Thousands of Uyghur Workers are Being Relocated in an Effort to Assimilate Muslims, Documents Show, 2 March 2021.

Washington Post (2020), Opinion: A New US Rule Could Change What You Wear - And Intervene in a Genocide, 7 December 2020.

Northrop, K. (2021). Hemmed In.The Wire China. 27 June 2021.

Cheung, R. (2021).  The Global Fashion Industry’s Moment of Truth in XinjiangWorld Politics Review. 13 July 2021.

Kusmer, A. (2021).  US bans some solar products from Xinjiang, citing human rights abuses of Uyghur people. The World. 13 July 2021.

Tamborrino, K. (2021). Biden administration to ban solar components from Chinese company over forced labour. Politico. 23 June 2021.

Kristof, N. (2021). One Woman’s Journey Through Chinese Atrocities. The New York Times. 12 June 2021.

Duffy, C. (2021). Solar panels are key to Biden’s energy plan. But the global supply chain may rely on forced labour in China. CNN Business. 14 May 2021.

BBC (2021). China uses Uyghur forced labour to make solar panels, says report. 14 May 2021.

Ma, W. (2021). Seven Apple Suppliers Accused of Using Forced Labour From Xinjiang. The Information. 10 May 2021.