UK tightens rules on China-picked cotton
31 January, 2021
The origin of Chinese cotton has never been more relevant as the world distances itself from supply chains with links to Uighur-picked cotton in the Xinjiang region.
This week Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told MPs exports will be monitored to make sure goods are not being found in camps where Uighur are among minorities being held.
The BBC said UK companies above some size must show they are trying to avoid using slavery in their supply chains.
You will have new guidance for businesses and public sector organisations about the risks of trading with Xinjiang where, Mr Raab said, there is growing evidence of greater than a million Uighurs and other minorities being held in forced labour camps. Information on potential fines for certainly not abiding by new rules have not but been released.
Header 2Campaigners say more could possibly be done
“The federal government has missed an possibility to guide a meaningful shift from exploitation and forced labour wherever it occurs,” Joanna Ewart-James, executive director of the anti-slavery organisation Freedom United told Reuters.
“Reporting requirements aren't enough to carry companies accountable - we are in need of business and government to come to be held liable for rights abuses in their supply chains and victims will be able to seek redress,” she added.
Previous month the BBC revealed latest evidence that China is forcing thousands of Uighurs and other minorities into hard, manual labour on the cotton fields of Xinjiang.
The report increased pressure on clothing retailers to eliminate Xinjiang cotton from their supply chains.
Source: fashionunited.uk