In January, the UK Parliament’s Business and Trade Committee scrutinized SHEIN, a prominent Chinese fashion brand, concerning workers’ rights. Yinan Zhu, SHEIN’s EMEA General Counsel, was unable to clarify if the company uses cotton sourced from Xinjiang, where Uyghur Muslims face severe human rights abuses. Committee Chair Liam Byrne criticized this lack of transparency, stating it nearly reflected contempt for the Committee.
The committee voiced its alarm, expressing zero confidence in SHEIN’s supply chains, particularly regarding allegations of extreme labor conditions. SHEIN claims it actively prevents forced labor worldwide and adheres to all legal standards, including the UK’s Modern Slavery Act. However, rising scrutiny demands businesses combat modern slavery in their operations.
June marked a significant shift as the London Court of Appeal eased legal barriers to investigate firms profiting from forced labor in China. The EU mandated companies with over 1,000 employees to address human rights and environmental issues within supply chains. Meanwhile, the US enacted the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, banning imports from Xinjiang.
Human rights advocates urge the UK government for further measures against corporate forced labor and to enhance accountability. Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, part of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, highlights potential amendments to the Modern Slavery Act seeking stronger company responsibility. Recent criticisms have centered on the effectiveness of current reporting laws since their introduction in 2015.
As businesses increasingly rely on legal firms for supply chain investigations, Anwar Darkazally emphasizes the importance of compliance with US sanctions tied to Uyghur labor. Firms can leverage publicly available information and human intelligence to better understand their suppliers and potential risks.
Multiple reports assert that China is implicated in severe human rights violations against Uyghurs. Kennedy advocates for the UK to enforce import bans on products from regions suspected of forced labor, highlighting the dire need for ethical trade practices.
Recent events saw UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Beijing, announcing multiple economic agreements while addressing human rights issues with Chinese officials. Kennedy believes discussions with China should integrate human rights considerations, urging fair employment practices globally. Such dialogues can pave the way for exploring equitable labor standards and accountability in international trade.
The UK Parliament’s committee questioned SHEIN about labor practices amid rising scrutiny over modern slavery in supply chains. SHEIN’s inability to address concerns about cotton sourcing from Xinjiang drew sharp criticism. Legal barriers to probing forced labor allegations are easing in the UK, while international mandates require companies to confront human rights issues. Continuous advocacy pushes for stronger regulations and accountability within corporate supply chains.
The scrutiny of SHEIN by the UK Parliament highlights a broader crisis of modern slavery in supply chains, with rising calls for corporate accountability. Initiatives like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act signal global efforts to combat forced labor. However, significant gaps remain in enforcement and compliance, mandating both legislative and corporate changes to promote ethical sourcing. Continued dialogue with China around labor practices is essential for fostering a fair global economy.
Original Source: www.ibanet.org
