... In a March 2020 statement, the [Fair Labor Association] FLA Board of Directors called for the Chinese government to end forced labor and other human rights abuses in Xinjiang and directed affiliates to review their sourcing relationships (direct and indirect) in Xinjiang [and] identify alternative sourcing opportunities ...

Since the FLA issued that statement nine months ago, evidence from a range of credible sources, including governments and independent researchers, continues to mount indicating that the Chinese government is expanding its policy of repression. The evidence shows that Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities remain subject to horrendous, ongoing human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention and forced labor. Significantly, more than 100 international civil society organizations have joined forces in a Call to Action to stop forced labor in Xinjiang, an effort [the FLA believes] is helpful in seeking to address these systemic rights abuses.

In its 20-year history, the FLA has never told companies a specific country or region was banned for sourcing because there have always been ways to address labor issues through effective due diligence. The situation in Xinjiang presents unique human rights and labor violations that defy conventional due diligence norms. Given the high risk of forced labor, the overwhelming evidence of human rights abuses, and the multiple layers of government sanctions, the FLA is prohibiting sourcing and production (including direct and indirect sourcing of raw materials, inputs, or finished products) from Xinjiang ...