US Prioritizes Aluminium Under Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, EU Urged to Step Up

The US has prioritized the Aluminium sector in its Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, addressing concerns over human rights violations in China. Human Rights Watch urges the EU to adopt more assertive measures similar to those of the US, particularly with the upcoming Forced Labour Regulation.

On Tuesday, US authorities made a significant move by prioritizing the Aluminium production sector under the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act. This decision arises amid growing concerns over human rights violations in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) faces criticism for its perceived inaction on these issues, prompting Human Rights Watch (HRW) to urge more assertive measures, particularly regarding forced labour in Xinjiang's Aluminium industry. The US decision aligns with HRW's February 2024 report titled 'Asleep at the Wheel,' which underscores the risks of sourcing Aluminium from forced labour camps in Xinjiang, crucial for automotive parts production. HRW believes this will compel car manufacturers to prioritize human rights within their supply chains.

Conversely, the EU has primarily focused on economic security measures like tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. However, with the incoming Forced Labour Regulation (FLR), the EU has a chance to adopt a more comprehensive, rights-based approach in its dealings with China. The FLR will prohibit EU consumers from buying goods linked to forced labour camps globally and will feature an online database to identify at-risk areas and sectors.

HRW emphasizes the inclusion of Xinjiang's Aluminium sector in the FLR database, arguing it would significantly impact China's state-imposed forced labour practices. Additionally, HRW insists the EU should expand its scope beyond Aluminium to include 17 other industries. However, HRW warns of potential Chinese retaliatory actions, a concern among EU countries with strong economic ties to China, such as Germany.