Justice For All Commends Department of Homeland Security for Updated Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act

July 12, 2024

We at Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign commend the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) for the release of the updated Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Strategy. This update signifies an important step forward in the fight against the importation of goods mined, produced or manufactured with Uyghur forced labor in Chinese-occupied East Turkistan.

Over the last two years, the enforcement efforts under the UFLPA have achieved crucial milestones. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has meticulously reviewed over 9,000 shipments valued at more than $3.4 billion. These actions underscore the serious dedication to ensuring that Uyghur forced labor products do not infiltrate U.S. supply chains. We applaud CBP’s thorough reviews and encourage continued vigilance to safeguard human dignity and labor rights.

The recent expansion of the UFLPA Entity List, now including 68 entities, signifies a vital step toward greater transparency and accountability. The rigorous criteria for inclusion prompt stakeholders to exercise extensive due diligence in verifying that their supply chains are free of Uyghur forced labor. We support these enhancements to internal processes and the forthcoming transparency initiatives that these updates embedded in the 2024 strategy. Activation of such mechanisms fosters trust and integrity within global trade networks.

The announcement of three new high-priority sectors – aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and seafood – for UFLPA enforcement is particularly noteworthy. These industries have exhibited increased risks of employing Uyghur forced labor or state-sponsored labor transfers involving Uyghurs and other Turkic groups from Chinese-occupied East Turkistan. Continued emphasis on apparel, cotton, and modern, industrial goods underscores the multi-faceted nature of this global issue. Such targeted focus will aid in systematically eradicating Uyghur forced labor from areas of significant risk, ensuring that businesses uphold ethical practices and human rights standards.

To bolster these enforcement actions, greater collaboration with stakeholders is essential. The initiative to launch UFLPA 101 webinars in Fall 2024 exemplifies an inclusive, informed approach to combating Uyghur forced labor. By equipping stakeholders with critical information, enforcement procedures and best practices, this educational series will strengthen due diligence practices and enhance the ability of businesses to identify and mitigate Uyghur forced labor risks efficiently.

Additionally, we urge consumers to be conscious of their purchasing choices by avoiding products labeled “Made in China.” Given the prevalence of Uyghur forced labor buying such products may unknowingly support these egregious practices. Through conscious consumerism, we can collectively play a pivotal role in demanding transparency and responsibility in global supply chains, thereby taking a stand against Uyghur slavery.

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign remains dedicated to advocating for the rights of Uyghurs and other persecuted Turkic people subjected to Uyghur forced labor. We urge sustained and intensified international collaboration among governmental bodies, businesses and civil society to ensure the full and effective implementation of the UFLPA.

We call upon all stakeholders to leverage this momentum and work collectively to eradicate Uyghur forced labor from our supply chains and global markets. Each step in this direction not only honors human rights but reinforces the foundational principles of justice and equity.

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign extends our deepest gratitude to DHS, FLETF and all entities involved for their unwavering commitment to this crucial cause. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting these efforts and advocating for the freedoms, rights and dignities of every human being.