Xinjiang detention camps

Foreign Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 15 Sep 2020 Closed: 14 Nov 2021 Parliament page
This inquiry will examine the ways in which the UK Government can prevent UK companies from benefitting from forced labour in Xinjiang, support members of the Uyghur diaspora community, and strengthen the UK Government’s, and particularly the FCDO’s, atrocity prevention mechanisms. Read the call for evidence for more details about … Read more
28 Recommendations
10 Conclusions
1 Report
6 Oral sessions
36 Letters
6 Events
Activity timeline 50 events
14 Nov
2021
Report published
8 Jul
2021
Report published
19 May
2021
Correspondence
19 May
2021
Correspondence
19 May
2021
Correspondence
28 Apr
2021
Correspondence
27 Apr
2021
Oral evidence
27 Apr
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
21 Apr
2021
Correspondence
21 Apr
2021
Correspondence
14 Apr
2021
Correspondence
14 Apr
2021
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
27 Apr 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Nigel Adams Paul Williams · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Rupert Ainley · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
13 Apr 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Azeem Ibrahim · US Army War College Charles Parton OBE · Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Peter Irwin · Uyghur Human Rights Project Rayhan Asat · American Turkic International Lawyers Association Rushan Abbas · Campaign for Uyghurs
2 Mar 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Chloe Cranston · Anti-slavery International Dr Radomir Tylecote · Civitas Dr Samantha Hoffman · Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Sophie Richardson · Human Rights Watch
9 Feb 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Andrew Opie · British Retail Consortium (BRC) Damien Sanfilippo · Better Cotton Initiative Peter McAllister · Ethical Trading Initiative
12 Jan 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Ambassador Stephen Rapp · Office of Global Criminal Justice Dr Gregory Stanton · Genocide Watch Dr Kate Ferguson · Protection Approaches Dr Simon Adams · Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect Nicola Reindorp · Crisis Action
15 Dec 2020
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Dolkun Isa · World Uyghur Congress Nury Turkel · United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin Schona Jolly QC · Bar Human Rights Committee
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on A… HC 198 8 Jul 2021 38 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
38 results
1 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should accept Parliament’s view that Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang...
The Government should accept Parliament’s view that Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang are suffering genocide and crimes against humanity, and take action to bring these crimes to an end.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
2 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The UK should call directly for the immediate disbandment of the internment camp system in...
The UK should call directly for the immediate disbandment of the internment camp system in Xinjiang, the cessation of forced sterilisation of women and separation of children, and an end to mass forced labour programmes such as Xinjiang Aid.
Government Response
See combined response to Recommendations 2, 3 and 4 below.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
3 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The UK Government should increase pressure on the Chinese government to allow international observers access...
The UK Government should increase pressure on the Chinese government to allow international observers access to Xinjiang, especially the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Government should use every opportunity it has at UN organs, summits, and treaty … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
4 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
If the Chinese government continues to stall and prevent in-country investigations, the UK should propose...
If the Chinese government continues to stall and prevent in-country investigations, the UK should propose a Human Rights Council motion that the High Commissioner for Human Rights conduct an investigation into the atrocities in Xinjiang from outside of China. The … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
5 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination provides a viable avenue...
The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination provides a viable avenue through which the UK Government, with others, may hold the Chinese government accountable, and another forum through which likeminded countries can draw attention to and … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
6 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that the UK moves for special sessions of the United Nations General Assembly...
We recommend that the UK moves for special sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council to find solutions to the crisis in Xinjiang.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
7 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that the Government engages in dialogue with the International Criminal Court about the...
We recommend that the Government engages in dialogue with the International Criminal Court about the feasibility of a proprio motu investigation into crimes committed against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang and beyond.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
8 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The collection and preservation of evidence will be essential for future accountability for these crimes.
The collection and preservation of evidence will be essential for future accountability for these crimes. We recommend that the Government allocate funding for the creation of an international mechanism for collecting evidence on the crimes in Xinjiang, and provides further … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
9 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The ‘D10’ model of democratic countries is a good starting point for coalition- building but...
The ‘D10’ model of democratic countries is a good starting point for coalition- building but cannot be the limit—significant diplomatic efforts should also be Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond 27 focused on … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
10 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that the Government commits financial and bureaucratic resources to ensuring future Build Back...
We recommend that the Government commits financial and bureaucratic resources to ensuring future Build Back Better World projects meet all internationally recognised standards, including on labour rights, environmental measures, and transparency.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
11 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
If the British Olympic Association and competing teams decide not to boycott the 2022 Beijing...
If the British Olympic Association and competing teams decide not to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the Government should not attend and should urge others not to do so. The Government should suggest the British Olympic Association does not … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
12 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
For sanctions to be effective, they must be used in full coordination with allies and...
For sanctions to be effective, they must be used in full coordination with allies and against those with whom ultimate responsibility for the Xinjiang atrocities lies. We recommend that the Government intensify efforts to coordinate sanctions with allies to consistently … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
13 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The UK Government should push for an urgent, independent review of UNESCO’s investigatory powers and...
The UK Government should push for an urgent, independent review of UNESCO’s investigatory powers and processes, and formally request that the organisation pursue its mandate with determination and commitment. The UK should adopt a policy of coordinating with allies to … Read more
Government Response
The Government is committed to helping to protect culture and heritage around the world, including in Xinjiang, and we agree that it is important for UNESCO to pursue its mandate … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
14 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should conduct an urgent consultation with members of these communities in the UK...
The Government should conduct an urgent consultation with members of these communities in the UK to determine the extent of harassment they are facing and the type of support they require, offering support and protection as appropriate.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
15 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that the Government implement an asylum fast track for Uyghurs and members of...
We recommend that the Government implement an asylum fast track for Uyghurs and members of other minority ethnic groups who are fleeing persecution in China.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
16 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The UK should form a coalition of ‘sanctuary states’ that will publicly recommit to the...
The UK should form a coalition of ‘sanctuary states’ that will publicly recommit to the principles of non-refoulement. Doing so will signal to members of persecuted minority groups such as the Uyghurs that they will be safe in these countries, … Read more
Government Response
Combined response to Recommendations 16 and 17 The UK is committed to the principle of non-refoulement and has repeatedly called on other countries to respect their obligations, under Article 3 … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
17 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that, where there is credible evidence of a state party to the United...
We recommend that, where there is credible evidence of a state party to the United Nations Convention against Torture deporting Uyghurs and members of other persecuted minority groups to China, the UK should raise a complaint against that state to … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
18 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The British Council should prioritise cultural protection funding for the preservation and promotion of Uyghur...
The British Council should prioritise cultural protection funding for the preservation and promotion of Uyghur tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The BBC World Service should broadcast in Uyghur in areas where substantial Uyghur communities live. (Paragraph 38) Forced labour and … Read more
Government Response
The Government recognises the importance of supporting efforts to protect cultural heritage at risk. However the scope of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) is currently restricted to the … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
19 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
In its response to this report, we ask that the Government inform us of when...
In its response to this report, we ask that the Government inform us of when the Department for International Trade will share the export review’s findings and actions with Parliament.
Government Response
The Government is committed to preventing the export of any goods that could contribute either directly or indirectly to the human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang. To that end, the … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
20 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
As well as imposing punitive fines for non-compliance with the reporting elements of the Modern...
As well as imposing punitive fines for non-compliance with the reporting elements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we recommend that the Government introduce new legislation that will create a legal requirement for businesses and public sector bodies to take … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
21 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that the Government review the £36m threshold for businesses to be required to...
We recommend that the Government review the £36m threshold for businesses to be required to produce Modern Slavery Statements, with a view to reducing it.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
22 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
Trade commissioners, envoys, and officers should be equipped with regularly updated toolkits and training to...
Trade commissioners, envoys, and officers should be equipped with regularly updated toolkits and training to ensure they are fully informed of the forced labour risk associated with the countries in which they are working. This should be supported by a … Read more
Government Response
We thank the Committee for this recommendation, and in response we agree to producing, and running regularly, a specific one-day training course on forced labour open to all Trade Envoys … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
23 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should explore the possibility of banning the import of all cotton products known...
The Government should explore the possibility of banning the import of all cotton products known to be produced in whole or in part in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, in line with WTO rules. While we primarily heard … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
24 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should issue guidance to business to implement modern means of traceability and product...
The Government should issue guidance to business to implement modern means of traceability and product origin verification as part of their due diligence measures.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
25 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should share Post-level intelligence on specific risk areas and factors with UK companies...
The Government should share Post-level intelligence on specific risk areas and factors with UK companies operating in China when appropriate to do so, to ensure it contributes to and supports private sector due diligence within the country.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
26 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should use information gained from local sources, Posts, and civil society to identify...
The Government should use information gained from local sources, Posts, and civil society to identify specific factories and companies that make use of forced labour and prohibit them from importing to the UK through the sanctions regime. (Paragraph 51) Never … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
27 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The UK should press for the International Labour Organization to conduct a full investigation of...
The UK should press for the International Labour Organization to conduct a full investigation of the Xinjiang region in order to verify the extent of forced labour there as a matter of urgent priority. (Paragraph 52) Technology and research
Government Response
The UK is committed to working through a range of multilateral bodies, including the ILO, to address the human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang. In April 2021, the UK joined … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
28 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
Where a Chinese institution possesses known or suspected links to repression in Xinjiang, or substantial...
Where a Chinese institution possesses known or suspected links to repression in Xinjiang, or substantial connections to Chinese military research, UK universities should avoid any form of technological or research collaboration with them. They should also conduct urgent reviews of … Read more
Government Response
The Government is committed to providing support to UK universities and research institutions to help them to make informed decisions and manage risks when undertaking technological or research collaborations with … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
29 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that the Government fund and manage the creation of a regularly- updated due...
We recommend that the Government fund and manage the creation of a regularly- updated due diligence and intelligence database to provide universities with a directory of Chinese institutions and companies that possess strong or suspected connections to technology-aided human rights … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
30 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
Equipment manufactured by companies such as Hikvision and Dahua should not be permitted to operate...
Equipment manufactured by companies such as Hikvision and Dahua should not be permitted to operate within the UK. We recommend that the Government prohibits organisations and individuals in the UK from doing business with any companies known to be associated … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
31 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that the Government introduce a national, cross-departmental strategy for atrocity prevention.
We recommend that the Government introduce a national, cross-departmental strategy for atrocity prevention.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
32 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
While the FCDO is the lead department for mass atrocity prevention, we recommend that the...
While the FCDO is the lead department for mass atrocity prevention, we recommend that the Government issue clear guidance and training to all relevant departments about their specific responsibilities for mass atrocity prevention. The departments involved should have senior staff … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
33 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should provide atrocity prevention ‘toolkits’ and atrocity prevention training for FCDO staff, with...
The Government should provide atrocity prevention ‘toolkits’ and atrocity prevention training for FCDO staff, with a mandatory refresher course every three years for all staff in diplomatic, programming, or policy-related roles.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
34 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should implement additional early warning tools specifically focused on predicting mass atrocities, and...
The Government should implement additional early warning tools specifically focused on predicting mass atrocities, and mainstream non-conflict atrocity prevention 30 Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond thinking in the newly announced Conflict Centre. … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
35 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
We recommend that the Government appoint a Special Envoy on Atrocity Prevention to ensure that...
We recommend that the Government appoint a Special Envoy on Atrocity Prevention to ensure that the prevention of mass atrocities is consistently championed in Parliament and Government.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
36 Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
The Government should commit to funding further such research, which is doing vital work to...
The Government should commit to funding further such research, which is doing vital work to expose those injustices which the Communist Party of China is eager to hide. (Paragraph 66) Conclusion
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
37 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
In a wider context, when in 2001 the People’s Republic of China was accepted into...
In a wider context, when in 2001 the People’s Republic of China was accepted into the World Trade Organization (following its admission to the UN Security Council in 1971 and the recognition of its national Olympic Committee by the IOC … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
38 Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The U…
While we commend the ongoing work of the UK Government in speaking out and leading...
While we commend the ongoing work of the UK Government in speaking out and leading on the issue of Xinjiang at the United Nations, we are concerned that its actions do not match its rhetoric and have so far proved … Read more
Government Response
The Government is grateful for the Foreign Affairs Committee’s report “Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond”, published on 8 July 2021. Promoting human … Read more
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View details
Correspondence 36 letters
19 May 2021 Correspondence with the International Labour Organisation relating to Xinjiang, dated 04/05/2021 and 19/04/2021
Parliament page
19 May 2021 Correspondence from Minister Nigel Adams following his appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 27 April 2021, dated 06/05/2021
Parliament page
19 May 2021 Correspondence with UK Research and Innovation relating to Xinjiang, dated 11/05/2021 and 18/03/2021
Parliament page
28 Apr 2021 Correspondence with UNESCO relating to Xinjiang, dated 21/04/2021 and 22/03/2021
Parliament page
21 Apr 2021 Correspondence with the University of Surrey relating to Xinjiang, dated 13/04/2021 and 30/03/2021
Parliament page
21 Apr 2021 Correspondence with the University of Strathclyde relating to Xinjiang, dated 12/04/2021 and 30/03/2021
Parliament page
14 Apr 2021 Correspondence with The Royal Society relating to Xinjiang, dated 31/03/2021 and 18/03/2021
Parliament page
14 Apr 2021 Correspondence with Imperial College London relating to Xinjiang, dated 31/03/2021 and 24/03/2021
Parliament page
24 Mar 2021 Correspondence with TJX Europe relating to Xinjiang, dated 17/03/2021 and 03/03/2021
Parliament page
24 Mar 2021 Correspondence with Russell Group relating to Xinjiang, dated 22/03/2021 and 18/03/2021
Parliament page
24 Mar 2021 Correspondence with River Island relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/03/2021 and 01/03/2021
Parliament page
17 Mar 2021 Correspondence with Mountain Warehouse relating to Xinjiang, dated 11/03/2021 and 01/03/2021
Parliament page
10 Mar 2021 Correspondence with UNESCO relating to Xinjiang, dated 05/03/2021 and 18/02/2021
Parliament page
10 Mar 2021 Correspondence with Barbour relating to Xinjiang, dated 04/03/2021 and 19/02/2021
Parliament page
3 Mar 2021 Correspondence with Ikea relating to Xinjiang, dated 01/03/2021 and 15/02/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Tesco relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/02/2021 and 02/02/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Asda relating to Xinjiang, dated 10/02/2021 and 27/01/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Matalan relating to Xinjiang, dated 15/02/2021 and 02/02/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with JD Group relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/02/2021 and 03/02/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Next relating to Xinjiang, dated 09/02/2021 and 28/01/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with the University of Cambridge relating to Xinjiang, dated 19/02/2021 and 08/02/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Hobbycraft relating to Xinjiang, dated 18/02/2021 and 15/02/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Dunelm relating to Xinjiang, dated 22/02/2021 and 15/02/2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Sainsbury's relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/02/2021 and 02/02/2021
Parliament page
23 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Asos relating to Xinjiang, dated 11/02/2021 and 27/01/2021
Parliament page
3 Feb 2021 Correspondence with the University of Manchester relating to Xinjiang, dated 14/01/2021 and 29/01/2021
Parliament page
27 Jan 2021 Correspondence with John Lewis relating to Xinjiang, dated 18/12/2020 and 14/01/2021
Parliament page
19 Jan 2021 Correspondence with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UK on the Committee’s inquiry into Xinjiang detention camps, dated 19/01/2021
Parliament page
13 Jan 2021 Correspondence with New Look relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/12/2020 and 05/01/2021
Parliament page
17 Dec 2020 Correspondence with the Foreign Secretary relating to determination of genocide in Xinjiang, dated 08/12/2020 and 24/11/2020
Parliament page
2 Dec 2020 Correspondence with UNIQLO relating to Xinjiang, dated 23/11/2020 and 9/11/2020
Parliament page
26 Nov 2020 From committee Letter to the Foreign Secretary on determining whether the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang constitutes genocide, dated 24/11/2020
Parliament page
18 Nov 2020 Correspondence with the Foreign Secretary relating to Tibet, dated 20/10/2020 and 7/10/2020
Parliament page
18 Nov 2020 Correspondence with Primark relating to Xinjiang, dated 10/11/2020 and 20/10/2020
Parliament page
18 Nov 2020 Correspondence with BURBERRY relating to Xinjiang, dated 9/11/2020 and 19/10/2020
Parliament page
18 Nov 2020 Correspondence with the Foreign Secretary relating to the Uyghur Muslims, dated 6/11/2020 and 22/10/2020
Parliament page