Amazon suppliers have “indirect and direct” links to forced labor in China, a new report says. In labor camps in the Xinjiang region, Uyghurs are being exploited for suppliers, the Tech Transparency Project claims. They are said to be related to Amazon products such as Kindle and Fire TV.
Allegations of forced labor at Amazon suppliers
According to a new report from the Tech Transparency Project, Amazon’s Chinese suppliers include both indirect and direct links to labor camps. In the Xinjiang region, members of the Uyghur Muslim minority are believed to be working for some Amazon suppliers after “job transfers,” sources said. Five Chinese companies are named.
The report accused Amazon of continue to work with these suppliers, although their connection to Uyghur labor camps is considered proven. The companies are said to be responsible for various Amazon products in China. These include the Fire TV sticks, which are also popular in this country, the e-readers from the Kindle series and the Amazon Echo speakers. Items in the affordable Amazon Basics range are also made by suppliers.
The accused companies are Luxshare Precision Industry, AcBel Polytech and Lens Technology benefit directly from forced labour, so the accusation. Two other companies, GoerTek and Hefei BOE Optoelectronics, are said to be indirectly involved, allegedly working with suppliers accused of forced labor (source: Tech Transparency Project).
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Amazon: Actions on Evidence of Forced Labor
Amazon has already commented on the allegations. According to a spokeswoman, the group adheres to laws and regulations. Suppliers are expected to adhere to supply chain standards defined by Amazon. allegations of human rights violations the company would take very seriously: “Whenever we find or receive evidence of forced labor, we take action”.