Stop Uyghur Genocide calls for scrutiny of Shein over links to forced labour in Xinjiang
Stop Uyghur Genocide Calls for Action Against Shein
In London, the campaign group Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG) has presented evidence to Shein's legal team, accusing the fashion company of using forced labour in its supply chains, particularly in the Uyghur region of China. This comes ahead of a UK parliamentary hearing on January 7, where Shein's European legal advisor, Yinan Zhu, will appear before the Business and Trade Select Committee. The committee is reviewing the Employment Rights Bill, which aims to strengthen protections against poor labour standards.
SUG claims that Shein's supply chains are likely tainted by forced labour from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, known for controversial cotton production. Rahima Mahmut, SUG's Executive Director, has called for a thorough investigation and urged the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to block Shein's listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The dossier suggests that Shein's practices could violate the UK's Modern Slavery Act and raise legal questions about the company's profits.
Similar concerns have been raised in the United States, where the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) declined to recommend Shein's listing due to forced labour issues. Ricardo Gama, a solicitor from Leigh Day representing SUG, stressed the need for accountability, stating that companies profiting from criminal practices should not be allowed to raise capital in markets like London.
With the upcoming parliamentary hearing chaired by Liam Byrne, Shein faces pressure to address these allegations. SUG continues to advocate for the FCA to prevent Shein's LSE listing, citing potential modern slavery links in its supply chains.
Doubts Revealed
Uyghur Genocide
The Uyghur Genocide refers to the alleged mistreatment and persecution of the Uyghur people, a Muslim minority group in China, particularly in the Xinjiang region. It includes reports of forced labor, detention camps, and other human rights abuses.
Shein
Shein is a popular online fashion retailer known for selling trendy clothes at affordable prices. It is a global company with a significant presence in many countries, including India.
Forced Labour
Forced labour means making people work against their will, often under threat or without proper pay. It is considered a violation of human rights.
UK parliamentary hearing
A UK parliamentary hearing is a meeting where members of the UK Parliament discuss and investigate important issues. In this case, they are looking into the allegations against Shein.
Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is a UK organization that regulates financial markets and companies to ensure they operate fairly and transparently.
London Stock Exchange
The London Stock Exchange is a place where people can buy and sell shares of companies. It is one of the largest stock exchanges in the world.
Modern Slavery Act
The UK's Modern Slavery Act is a law designed to prevent modern slavery, including forced labour and human trafficking. It requires businesses to ensure their supply chains are free from such practices.
US SEC
The US SEC, or Securities and Exchange Commission, is a government agency in the United States that oversees and regulates the stock market to protect investors.
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