HRW warns automakers such as Tesla over Uyghurs forced labor risk

Human Rights Watch says aluminum producers had hired workers from labor transfer programs that force programs force Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims into employment in Xinjiang and other regions

Human Rights Watch (HRW) Thursday raised concerns about China’s forced labor, warning carmaker supply chains including Volkswagen, Tesla and BYD that produce cars in China to ensure that no material manufactured by Uyghur forced labor enters their supply chain.

HRW cited the evidence in the report, noting that Xinjiang aluminum producers had hired laborers from labor transfer programs. The human rights watchdog claimed these programs force Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims into employment in Xinjiang and other areas.

“The link between Xinjiang, the aluminum industry, and forced labor is Chinese government-backed labor transfer programs, which coerce Uyghurs and members of other Turkic Muslim communities into jobs in Xinjiang and other regions,” the HRW report said.

According to an HRW report, Xinjiang-produced aluminum is used in China to manufacture car parts sold to automakers worldwide. These businesses are obligated by U.N. principles to ensure that supply chains do not involve forced labor.

The rights group further said there is evidence that aluminum smelters in Xinjiang were included in labor transfers.

Responding to criticism, Beijing refuted the claims, saying that the accusation is “a lie of the century fabricated to smear China.”

Source: Newsroom