Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign Applauds Global Boycotts and Sanctions Efforts; Urges Continued Collective Action to End Uyghur Genocide

Washington, D.C. — December 6, 2024

For Immediate Release

Contact: Hena Zuberi

hena@justiceforall.org

(202) 922-5878

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign commends the recent progress made by governments, corporations, and individuals who have actively participated in boycotts, divestments, and sanctions against entities complicit in Uyghur forced labor. These actions are crucial in our fight to end the systematic oppression and genocide of the Uyghur people.

In a significant move, Volkswagen recently announced the closure of its operations in Chinese-occupied East Turkistan, setting a powerful precedent for corporate accountability in the face of human rights abuses. The investigative revelation that tomato purees marketed as “Italian” in British supermarkets often involve Uyghur forced labor has prompted the U.K. Parliament to consider definitive actions in addressing the exploitation behind these goods. Furthermore, apparel companies like Uniqlo have chosen to distance themselves from suppliers linked to Uyghur forced labor, recognizing the ethical and reputational risks associated with such associations.

“We extend our gratitude to those governments, companies, and consumers who have chosen to stand on the right side of history,” stated Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All. “Every boycott, sanction, and act of divestment sends a clear message against the atrocities being committed and brings us closer to ending this genocide.”

These collaborative endeavors exemplify that collective action against exploitation can lead to tangible change on the ground. Justice For All emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts and vigilance in the global movement against Uyghur forced labor.

Arslan Hidayat, Team Lead for Save Uyghur, highlighted, “The courage shown by those who have acted against injustice is commendable, but the work doesn’t stop here. Continued awareness, advocacy, and ethical consumerism play vital roles in dismantling the oppressive systems targeting the Uyghur people.”

Justice For All encourages all sectors of society to join in these efforts, warning against complacency and the need for continuous global pressure on those perpetrating human rights abuses. Without persistent initiatives from all stakeholders, the plight of the Uyghurs will remain an immovable crisis.