Rising Concerns Over Forced Labor and Human Rights in Xinjiang

The meeting comes as international scrutiny intensifies over the situation in Xinjiang, where reports detail widespread detention, forced labor, and cultural suppression. Since 2016, Chinese authorities have reportedly detained up to one million Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in what have been termed “political reeducation camps.” Hundreds of thousands more have been sentenced to prison without due process, facing allegations of torture, forced disappearance, mass surveillance, and the systematic dismantling of their cultural and religious practices.

Keiji Furuya, a senior member of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and chairperson of the Japan Uyghur Parliamentary Association, emphasized the importance of a unified global response. “It’s important to send a big message to the world” about the Chinese government’s rights abuses against Uyghurs, Furuya stated during his opening remarks. He revealed that his caucus is actively drafting a Japanese version of the United States Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, signaling a potential shift towards stricter import controls.

Human Rights Watch has been a vocal advocate for such measures. In a February 18th letter to the Japan Uyghur Parliamentary Association, the organization stressed that import restrictions targeting state-imposed forced labor are “crucial for increasing pressure on the Chinese government to end abusive labor practices in Xinjiang and beyond.” The letter further recommended that Japan broaden its scope to include any global region presenting a high risk of state-sponsored forced labor, requiring companies to demonstrate the absence of forced labor in their supply chains.

Global Supply Chains and Japanese Economic Ties

The issue of forced labor in Xinjiang extends far beyond China’s borders, impacting global supply chains, including those within Japan. Sectors particularly vulnerable include automotive, solar panels, apparel, seafood, agricultural products, and the sourcing of critical minerals. This interconnectedness necessitates a comprehensive approach to ensure ethical sourcing and prevent complicity in human rights abuses.

The Japanese government has consistently voiced its concerns regarding China’s human rights record. During China’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2024, and again during a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping in 2025, Japanese officials raised concerns about the situation in Xinjiang. However, activists argue that stronger, more concrete actions are needed to translate these concerns into tangible change.

Experts suggest that import restrictions and corporate accountability laws, mirroring initiatives like the European Union’s corporate sustainability due diligence directive, are vital for integrating human rights considerations into economic policies. Such measures would not only protect vulnerable populations but also safeguard consumer interests and promote fair competition by leveling the playing field against “low rights” economic models.

What role should international trade agreements play in upholding human rights standards? And how can consumers effectively demand transparency and ethical sourcing from the companies they support?

Did You Know? The United States Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) presumes that all goods originating from Xinjiang are made with forced labor, shifting the burden of proof to importers.

Human Rights Watch continues to document and report on the ongoing abuses in Xinjiang, providing crucial evidence for policymakers and advocates worldwide. The U.S. Department of State also provides detailed information on the human rights situation in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xinjiang and Forced Labor

• What is the current situation in Xinjiang regarding Uyghur rights?

  The situation remains dire, with ongoing reports of mass detention, forced labor, surveillance, and cultural suppression targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims.

• What is the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act?

  The UFLPA is a U.S. law that presumes goods originating from Xinjiang are made with forced labor, requiring importers to prove otherwise.

• How does the situation in Xinjiang affect global supply chains?

  Forced labor in Xinjiang impacts numerous global supply chains, including those in Japan, particularly in sectors like automotive, solar energy, and apparel.

• What is Japan doing to address the human rights concerns in Xinjiang?

  Japan has expressed concern through diplomatic channels, including at the UN and in bilateral meetings with China, and is considering legislation similar to the UFLPA.

• What can consumers do to support ethical sourcing and avoid products made with forced labor?

  Consumers can research brands, demand transparency from companies, and support organizations advocating for human rights and ethical supply chains.