CSR: major brands reportedly linked to Uyghur forced labor in China

In the foreword to the Uyghurs for Sale report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI* here), published on 01 March 2020, ‘The Chinese government has facilitated the mass transfer of Uyghur and other ethnic minority citizens from the far west region of Xinjiang to factories across the country.’ According to the report displaced citizens are working ‘Under conditions that strongly suggest forced labour, Uyghurs are working in factories that are in the supply chains of at least 83 well-known global brands in the technology, clothing and automotive sectors,’ citing the following in its press statement, Apple, BMW, Gap, Huawei, Nike, Samsung, Sony, and Volkswagen. The NGO has encouraged the companies cited in the report ‘to conduct immediate and thorough human rights due diligence on their factory labour in China.’
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

In the report the following brands are cited: Abercrombie & Fitch, Acer, Adidas, Alstom, Amazon, Apple, ASUS, BAIC Motor, BMW, Bombardier, Bosch, BYD, Calvin Klein, Candy, Carter’s, Cerruti 1881, Changan Automobile, Cisco, CRRC, Dell, Electrolux, Fila, Founder Group, GAC Group (automobiles), Gap, Geely Auto, General Electric, General Motors, Google, H&M, Haier, Hart Schaffner Marx, Hisense, Hitachi, HP , HTC, Huawei, iFlyTek, Jack & Jones, Jaguar, Japan Display Inc., L.L.Bean, Lacoste, Land Rover, Lenovo, LG, Li-Ning, Mayor, Meizu, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Microsoft, Mitsubishi, Mitsumi, Nike, Nintendo, Nokia, The North Face, Oculus, Oppo, Panasonic, Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, Roewe, SAIC Motor, Samsung, SGMW, Sharp, Siemens, Skechers, Sony, TDK, Tommy Hilfiger, Toshiba, Tsinghua Tongfang, Uniqlo, Victoria’s Secret, Vivo, Volkswagen, Xiaomi, Zara, Zegna, ZTE.

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
United States: New York State employers required to notify employees of negative information concerning them
The news. Since 8 November 2026, employers in New York State have been subject to new obligations regarding employees’ access to their personal data. They must notify employees when they...
13 November 2026
Germany: Mercedes freezes investments and puts pressure on IG Metall
The news. On 12 November 2026, Mercedes-Benz announced a halt, temporary for the time being, to all new investment at its German sites. In an interview published on the group’s intranet...
Mexico: Senate examines legislation on the right to disconnect
The news. In Mexico, the Senate is examining legislation enshrining the right to disconnect. The text, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 3 March 2026 and subsequently passed unanimously by...
12 November 2026
Switzerland: Could the referendum on funding a 13th monthly pension payment mark the start of a major pension reform?
On 29 November, Swiss citizens will vote in a referendum on how to finance the 13th monthly payment for pensioners (13th OASI pension), a benefit approved in 2024 that will be paid out from...
12 November 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
EU: Commission to launch a business coalition against modern slavery
The news. On 16 October, the European Commission presented a new strategy to combat human trafficking. While labour exploitation reported by the authorities rose by 17% between 2021-2022 and...
19 October 2026
2
UK: government promises human rights due diligence bill
The news. On 4 November, the government promised, through Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds before the House of Lords, the statutory introduction of human rights due diligence in the UK. It...
5 November 2026