US warns companies on Xinjiang business, urges exit | Human Rights News

Joint statement warns of “increasing evidence” of forced labor and due diligence challenges.

The United States warns of increased risks for companies doing business in Xinjiang, where it accuses Beijing of “ongoing genocide” and “crimes against humanity” against Uyghurs and other mainly Muslim ethnic minorities right.

In an updated business advisory released on Tuesday, the US said there was “increasing evidence” of forced labor, as well as other human rights abuses and “intrusive” surveillance.

“Given the severity and extent of these abuses, companies and individuals who do not leave supply chains, ventures and / or investments related to Xinjiang could run a high risk of violating US law,” the State Department said in a joint statement the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Homeland Security. The Department of Labor and the Office of the US Trade Representative also signed the advisory for the first time.

According to United Nations estimates, at least one million people have been held in a network of re-education camps in the far western region in recent years, which Beijing says are vocational training centers necessary to combat “extremism”.

Researchers have also documented other abuses, including forced sterilization, the demolition of mosques, the clearing of Muslim cemeteries, and family segregation. Amnesty International last month accused China of creating a “dystopian hell landscape” in Xinjiang.

The recommendation states that those wishing to do business in Xinjiang should be aware of the potential risks associated with developing surveillance tools, sourcing goods and labor from Xinjiang – or elsewhere along the supply chain in China – providing US products, including software or assistance, should be aware of the construction or operation of detention centers or factories nearby.

“The United States will continue to promote accountability for the atrocities and other abuses of the PRC through a nationwide effort and in close coordination with the private sector and our allies and partners,” Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in a statement.

Uyghurs protest outside the US State Department in May calling on the international community to oppose China’s policies in the far western region of Xinjiang. proceed [File: Leah Millis/Reuters]The report noted the lack of transparency, but urged companies to conduct “enhanced” due diligence and warned that those who – even indirectly – support the Chinese government’s surveillance system in the region or provide financial support to companies are criminally liable could be prosecuted in connection with human rights violations.

All companies with existing investments and operations that could be affected should consider a “responsible sale”.

The US has already blacklisted several Chinese companies for their activities in Xinjiang and imposed sanctions on key officials for alleged violations of law.

At least 10 more Chinese companies are expected to be blacklisted this week.

The US first published the Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory in July last year.