The report warns of the forced labor of the Uyghurs in the supply chain of solar panels Business and Economy News

Beijing’s Uyghur labor programs are “forcibly transferring and enslaving populations,” the report says.

A report warns China against the use of forced labor in the solar panel manufacturing supply chain.

A study by Sheffield Hallam University in the UK said China’s “labor transfers” in the north-western Xinjian region, according to rights groups, have affected Uyghur Muslim minorities. harassment and incarceration, “spreads in an atmosphere of unprecedented coercion, under the constant threat of education and internment.”

The report added that 45 percent of the world’s polysilicon manufacturers – the first material used in 95 percent of solar modules – are located in Xinjiang, where most Uyghurs live.

The study “determined that many of the major producers of raw materials, solar polysilicon silica, ingots and leaves integrated in solar module manufacturing have made forced labor transfers to indigenous people in the region. Many of these manufacturers have beneficial relationships with Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.”

“The adoption of mandatory labor by these manufacturers has a significant impact on the downstream manufacturers of solar modules and the governments, developers and consumers they purchase,” the report says.

“Risk of exposure”

The demand for solar panels has increased as countries are increasingly committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Researchers have identified 90 Chinese and international companies that are somehow linked to forced labor supply chains.

Calling solar panel manufacturers to evaluate supply chains and look for a source elsewhere, the examples described in the report are “to provide evidence of interest to those interested in judging the risk of being forced to work in the solar supply chain.” .

International pressure to increase access to Xinjiang in Beijing as Germany, UK and US hold virtual UN meeting on Thursday condemns documented rights violations. China has repeatedly denied the allegations.

International Secretary-General for Amnesty Agnes Callamard has said that one million Uighurs and ethnic Muslim minorities in the event are being arbitrarily detained in the region.

The U.S. has said President Joe Biden will call for allies increased pressure For allegedly forced labor at its first meeting in June about Beijing.