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
36 Recommendations
2 Conclusions
1 Report
6 Oral sessions
36 Letters
6 Events
Activity timeline 44 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
21 Apr
2021
Correspondence
21 Apr
2021
Correspondence
14 Apr
2021
Correspondence
14 Apr
2021
Correspondence
13 Apr
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
27 Apr 2021
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Foreign Affairs Committee
Nigel Adams Paul Williams · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Rupert Ainley · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
13 Apr 2021
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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
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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
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Foreign Affairs Committee
Andrew Opie · British Retail Consortium (BRC) Damien Sanfilippo · Better Cotton Initiative Peter McAllister · Ethical Trading Initiative
12 Jan 2021
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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
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Foreign Affairs Committee
Dolkun Isa · World Uyghur Congress Nury Turkel · United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin · University of Minnesota Law School 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
13 results
Clear
1 Recommendation Rejected
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.
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to accept Parliament's view on genocide, reiterating its long-standing policy not to make such determinations, which it believes should be decided by a credible judicial process. However, it agrees there is compelling evidence of widespread human rights violations and commits to continued action with international partners.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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5 Recommendation Rejected
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
Government Response
The government rejects raising a bilateral complaint against China to CERD, arguing it would not increase scrutiny and would risk turning a global issue into a bilateral dispute, contrary to their strategy of concerted international pressure.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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6 Recommendation Rejected
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.
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that it does not currently believe there is sufficient support to successfully move for special sessions at the UN.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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7 Recommendation Rejected
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.
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that decisions on proprio motu investigations lie with the independent ICC Prosecutor, and that the ICC's jurisdiction is limited as the alleged crimes are occurring in a non-State Party territory.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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15 Recommendation Rejected
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.
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation, stating it does not plan to implement a specific asylum fast track for Uyghurs, but ensures all asylum claims are considered on individual merits and in accordance with international obligations.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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16 Recommendation Rejected
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
The government rejects forming a 'coalition of sanctuary states', stating they will continue to intervene through diplomatic channels and other tools with international partners to prevent deportations, believing this action is most effective.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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17 Recommendation Rejected
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
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to raise a bilateral complaint against states deporting Uyghurs to China under the UN Convention against Torture, stating that such action is more effective when conducted in concert with international partners.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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18 Recommendation Rejected
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 rejects the recommendation. It states that extending the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund to Xinjiang is not currently feasible due to scope restrictions, funding requirements, and logistical challenges. It also states that the provision of an additional Uyghur broadcast service is for the BBC World Service to decide, and the government cannot accept this on their behalf.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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21 Recommendation Rejected
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.
Government Response
The government rejects reducing the Modern Slavery Statement threshold, citing a September 2020 review that determined the current £36m threshold remained appropriate and stating they have no plans to change it.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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23 Recommendation Rejected
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
Government Response
The government explicitly states it does not have plans to place import controls on goods from China, thus rejecting the recommendation for a ban, though it highlights other measures taken to tackle forced labour.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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24 Recommendation Rejected
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.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the role of technology and is engaging with businesses and has existing guidance, but explicitly states it does not currently plan to issue further specific guidance on modern means of traceability and product origin verification.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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31 Recommendation Rejected
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.
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation for a national, cross-departmental strategy for atrocity prevention, stating that individual FCDO departments are best placed to tackle risks regionally.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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35 Recommendation Rejected
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.
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to appoint a Special Envoy on Atrocity Prevention, stating that Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon already oversees relevant government policy and is well-placed for this work.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 37 of 36 classified
Accepted 13
Accepted in Part 5
Acknowledged 2
Deferred 1
Not Addressed 3
Rejected 13
Total 36 recs + 2 conclusions
Correspondence 36 letters
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
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19 May 2021 Correspondence with the International Labour Organisation relating to Xinjiang, dated 04/05/2021 and 19/04/2021
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28 Apr 2021 Correspondence with UNESCO relating to Xinjiang, dated 21/04/2021 and 22/03/2021
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21 Apr 2021 Correspondence with the University of Strathclyde relating to Xinjiang, dated 12/04/2021 and 30/03/2021
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21 Apr 2021 Correspondence with the University of Surrey relating to Xinjiang, dated 13/04/2021 and 30/03/2021
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14 Apr 2021 Correspondence with The Royal Society relating to Xinjiang, dated 31/03/2021 and 18/03/2021
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14 Apr 2021 Correspondence with Imperial College London relating to Xinjiang, dated 31/03/2021 and 24/03/2021
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24 Mar 2021 Correspondence with Russell Group relating to Xinjiang, dated 22/03/2021 and 18/03/2021
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24 Mar 2021 Correspondence with TJX Europe relating to Xinjiang, dated 17/03/2021 and 03/03/2021
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24 Mar 2021 Correspondence with River Island relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/03/2021 and 01/03/2021
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17 Mar 2021 Correspondence with Mountain Warehouse relating to Xinjiang, dated 11/03/2021 and 01/03/2021
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10 Mar 2021 Correspondence with UNESCO relating to Xinjiang, dated 05/03/2021 and 18/02/2021
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10 Mar 2021 Correspondence with Barbour relating to Xinjiang, dated 04/03/2021 and 19/02/2021
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3 Mar 2021 Correspondence with Ikea relating to Xinjiang, dated 01/03/2021 and 15/02/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Matalan relating to Xinjiang, dated 15/02/2021 and 02/02/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Asda relating to Xinjiang, dated 10/02/2021 and 27/01/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with JD Group relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/02/2021 and 03/02/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Hobbycraft relating to Xinjiang, dated 18/02/2021 and 15/02/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Dunelm relating to Xinjiang, dated 22/02/2021 and 15/02/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Sainsbury's relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/02/2021 and 02/02/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Next relating to Xinjiang, dated 09/02/2021 and 28/01/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with the University of Cambridge relating to Xinjiang, dated 19/02/2021 and 08/02/2021
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24 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Tesco relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/02/2021 and 02/02/2021
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23 Feb 2021 Correspondence with Asos relating to Xinjiang, dated 11/02/2021 and 27/01/2021
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3 Feb 2021 Correspondence with the University of Manchester relating to Xinjiang, dated 14/01/2021 and 29/01/2021
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27 Jan 2021 Correspondence with John Lewis relating to Xinjiang, dated 18/12/2020 and 14/01/2021
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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
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13 Jan 2021 Correspondence with New Look relating to Xinjiang, dated 16/12/2020 and 05/01/2021
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17 Dec 2020 Correspondence with the Foreign Secretary relating to determination of genocide in Xinjiang, dated 08/12/2020 and 24/11/2020
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2 Dec 2020 Correspondence with UNIQLO relating to Xinjiang, dated 23/11/2020 and 9/11/2020
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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
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18 Nov 2020 Correspondence with the Foreign Secretary relating to the Uyghur Muslims, dated 6/11/2020 and 22/10/2020
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18 Nov 2020 Correspondence with the Foreign Secretary relating to Tibet, dated 20/10/2020 and 7/10/2020
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18 Nov 2020 Correspondence with Primark relating to Xinjiang, dated 10/11/2020 and 20/10/2020
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18 Nov 2020 Correspondence with BURBERRY relating to Xinjiang, dated 9/11/2020 and 19/10/2020
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