Australia Faces Backlash Over Imports Linked to Uyghur Forced Labor

Australia’s newly appointed anti-slavery commissioner has raised urgent concerns over the country’s imports from eight US-blacklisted companies tied to allegations of Uyghur forced labor. A recent investigation by the Guardian revealed that since 2020, Australian importers have reported 3,347 import declarations linked to these companies, which are known to have connections to forced labor practices in Xinjiang, China.

Christopher Knaus and Helen Davidson of the Guardian highlighted that the findings have ignited anger within the Uyghur community in Australia, whose members have suffered under the Chinese government’s crackdown on the ethnic minority. Newly appointed commissioner Chris Evans emphasized the need for stronger measures, criticizing the current inadequacy of forced labor laws and the slow pace of governmental reforms.

Calls for an import ban on goods produced with forced or child labor have intensified following these revelations. Advocacy groups argue that the current reporting standards under the Modern Slavery Act are insufficient and stress that clearer guidance for businesses is necessary to combat these complex issues effectively.

According to the findings, the types of goods imported include various essential products, from components for vehicles to safety gear. Despite a commitment to tackle modern slavery, the lagging actions of both the government and businesses have drawn criticism. The Australian government, which has been working on reforms, has yet to implement a formal ban similar to the one adopted by the Biden administration in 2021.

The Guardian's investigation sheds light on a growing concern regarding Australia’s trade policies and their ethical implications, signaling an urgent need for change.