Recommendations & Conclusions
38 items
1
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should accept Parliament’s view that Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang are suffering genocide and crimes against humanity, and take action to bring these crimes to an end.
Government response. The Government agrees that there is compelling evidence of widespread and systematic human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang. This includes the extra-judicial detention of over a million Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in “political re-education camps” since 2017; systematic restrictions …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
2
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The UK should call directly for the immediate disbandment of the internment camp system in Xinjiang, the cessation of forced sterilisation of women and separation of children, and an end to mass forced labour programmes such as Xinjiang Aid.
Government response. See combined response to Recommendations 2, 3 and 4 below.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
3
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The UK Government should increase pressure on the Chinese government to allow international observers access to Xinjiang, especially the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Government should use every opportunity it has at UN organs, summits, and treaty bodies to raise the issue. To do this, the UK …
Government response. See combined response to Recommendations 2, 3 and 4 below.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
4
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
If the Chinese government continues to stall and prevent in-country investigations, the UK should propose a Human Rights Council motion that the High Commissioner for Human Rights conduct an investigation into the atrocities in Xinjiang from outside of China. The Government should also explore the prospect of a Human Rights …
Government response. The Government has repeatedly called out the gross violations of human rights occurring in Xinjiang, and in response has led international efforts to hold China to account. In October 2019, the UK led the first formal joint statement on Xinjiang …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
5
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination provides a viable avenue through which the UK Government, with others, may hold the Chinese government accountable, and another forum through which likeminded countries can draw attention to and pursue accountability for human rights abuses in Xinjiang We recommend …
Government response. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is an important independent mechanism that monitors the implementation of States Parties’ obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is already looking closely at China’s actions in …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
6
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that the UK moves for special sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council to find solutions to the crisis in Xinjiang.
Government response. While in principle the Government sees value in holding special sessions to find solutions to the human rights situation in Xinjiang, we must also take account of the level of support required to achieve such an outcome. At present we …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
7
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that the Government engages in dialogue with the International Criminal Court about the feasibility of a proprio motu investigation into crimes committed against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang and beyond.
Government response. As the Committee will be aware, decisions on opening proprio motu investigations at the International Criminal Court (ICC) lie with the Office of the ICC Prosecutor. The Government respects the Office’s independence in this matter. The exercise of all ICC …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
8
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The collection and preservation of evidence will be essential for future accountability for these crimes. We recommend that the Government allocate funding for the creation of an international mechanism for collecting evidence on the crimes in Xinjiang, and provides further resources to help locate and record the details of those …
Government response. The Government recognises the importance of collecting rigorous and credible evidence of the human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang. Evidence is used to inform Government policy, raise international awareness, and shine a spotlight on China’s actions. Government funded research has …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
9
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The ‘D10’ model of democratic countries is a good starting point for coalition- building but cannot be the limit—significant diplomatic efforts should also be Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond 27 focused on states in Africa, South America, Asia, the Middle East, and …
Government response. We are committed to working with a broad range of international partners to make clear to China the cost for its continued violations in Xinjiang. As set out in our response to recommendations 2, 3 and 4, the UK led …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
10
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that the Government commits financial and bureaucratic resources to ensuring future Build Back Better World projects meet all internationally recognised standards, including on labour rights, environmental measures, and transparency.
Government response. Strong standards across environmental, social, financial, labour, governance and transparency issues will be at the heart of our approach to the new G7 partnership on development finance. This is vital in order to ensure that our values are upheld, and …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
11
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
If the British Olympic Association and competing teams decide not to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the Government should not attend and should urge others not to do so. The Government should suggest the British Olympic Association does not participate in the opening or closing ceremonies, beyond one representative …
Government response. The Government has not made any decisions about potential representation at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Team GB’s participation and approach is a matter for the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association. Both of these organisations operate …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
12
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
For sanctions to be effective, they must be used in full coordination with allies and against those with whom ultimate responsibility for the Xinjiang atrocities lies. We recommend that the Government intensify efforts to coordinate sanctions with allies to consistently sanction senior individuals and entities with the most responsibility for …
Government response. As stated in response to Recommendation 9, in March the Government announced sanctions against four Chinese government officials and one entity under the UK’s Global Human Rights sanctions regime. These measures were taken alongside similar action by the EU, US …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
13
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The UK Government should push for an urgent, independent review of UNESCO’s investigatory powers and processes, and formally request that the organisation pursue its mandate with determination and commitment. The UK should adopt a policy of coordinating with allies to block and reduce the influence of the worst human rights- …
Government response. The Government is committed to helping to protect culture and heritage around the world, including in Xinjiang, and we agree that it is important for UNESCO to pursue its mandate with determination and commitment. However, we also recognise that UNESCO’s …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
14
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should conduct an urgent consultation with members of these communities in the UK to determine the extent of harassment they are facing and the type of support they require, offering support and protection as appropriate.
Government response. The Government is committed to supporting the Uyghur community in the UK, and wants to send a clear message that we respect their culture, history and religion and oppose all efforts to restrict it. FCDO Ministers have previously met with …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
15
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that the Government implement an asylum fast track for Uyghurs and members of other minority ethnic groups who are fleeing persecution in China.
Government response. The Government is committed to ensuring that all asylum claims are considered without unnecessary delay and that those who need protection are granted it as soon as possible. All asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered on the individual …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
16
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The UK should form a coalition of ‘sanctuary states’ that will publicly recommit to the principles of non-refoulement. Doing so will signal to members of persecuted minority groups such as the Uyghurs that they will be safe in these countries, and it will apply further diplomatic and reputational pressure on …
Government response. Combined response to Recommendations 16 and 17 The UK is committed to the principle of non-refoulement and has repeatedly called on other countries to respect their obligations, under Article 3 of the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT), not to force …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
17
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that, where there is credible evidence of a state party to the United Nations Convention against Torture deporting Uyghurs and members of other persecuted minority groups to China, the UK should raise a complaint against that state to the Committee against Torture.
Government response. We will also continue to use a range of other diplomatic tools, including engagement through multilateral fora, to raise international awareness of the human rights violations being perpetrated against the Uyghurs, and to remind states of their obligations under UNCAT. …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
18
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The British Council should prioritise cultural protection funding for the preservation and promotion of Uyghur tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The BBC World Service should broadcast in Uyghur in areas where substantial Uyghur communities live. (Paragraph 38) Forced labour and the private sector
Government response. The Government recognises the importance of supporting efforts to protect cultural heritage at risk. However the scope of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) is currently restricted to the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Extending the fund …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
19
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
In its response to this report, we ask that the Government inform us of when the Department for International Trade will share the export review’s findings and actions with Parliament.
Government response. The Government is committed to preventing the export of any goods that could contribute either directly or indirectly to the human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang. To that end, the Government announced on 12 January an urgent review of export …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
20
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
As well as imposing punitive fines for non-compliance with the reporting elements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we recommend that the Government introduce new legislation that will create a legal requirement for businesses and public sector bodies to take concrete measures to prevent and remove the use of forced …
Government response. We will continue to keep our policy on due diligence under review. In doing so, the Government will remain sensitive to the overall burden of regulation on UK businesses and we would need to be persuaded that any proposals to …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
21
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that the Government review the £36m threshold for businesses to be required to produce Modern Slavery Statements, with a view to reducing it.
Government response. The UK was the first country in the world to require businesses to report on the steps they have taken to tackle modern slavery in their operations and global supply chains. The landmark ‘Transparency in Supply Chains’ provision in the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
22
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
Trade commissioners, envoys, and officers should be equipped with regularly updated toolkits and training to ensure they are fully informed of the forced labour risk associated with the countries in which they are working. This should be supported by a public Government-led grading system of countries’ adherence to global labour …
Government response. We thank the Committee for this recommendation, and in response we agree to producing, and running regularly, a specific one-day training course on forced labour open to all Trade Envoys and officials, including those based in regions that could be …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
23
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should explore the possibility of banning the import of all cotton products known to be produced in whole or in part in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, in line with WTO rules. While we primarily heard evidence on the cotton industry, we believe this ban should …
Government response. As part of the Government’s commitment to tackling forced labour, the Government announced in January a number of measures to help ensure that no company profiting from forced labour in Xinjiang can do business in the UK, and that no …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
24
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should issue guidance to business to implement modern means of traceability and product origin verification as part of their due diligence measures.
Government response. The Government recognises the role that technology can play in improving the traceability of global supply chains and is working with businesses to build understanding and raise awareness of its potential use. In March, the Foreign Secretary, in her former …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
25
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should share Post-level intelligence on specific risk areas and factors with UK companies operating in China when appropriate to do so, to ensure it contributes to and supports private sector due diligence within the country.
Government response. The Government is committed to providing detailed guidance to UK companies on specific risk factors that they should consider when operating in China. Sources of guidance include our OBR guidance and the Government’s Digital and Tech China website. This guidance …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
26
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should use information gained from local sources, Posts, and civil society to identify specific factories and companies that make use of forced labour and prohibit them from importing to the UK through the sanctions regime. (Paragraph 51) Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang …
Government response. As stated in response to recommendation 23, in January the Government announced measures to help ensure that no company that profits from forced labour in Xinjiang can do business in the UK and that no UK business is involved in …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
27
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The UK should press for the International Labour Organization to conduct a full investigation of the Xinjiang region in order to verify the extent of forced labour there as a matter of urgent priority. (Paragraph 52) Technology and research
Government response. The UK is committed to working through a range of multilateral bodies, including the ILO, to address the human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang. In April 2021, the UK joined Canada, the US and New Zealand in making a joint …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
28
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
Where a Chinese institution possesses known or suspected links to repression in Xinjiang, or substantial connections to Chinese military research, UK universities should avoid any form of technological or research collaboration with them. They should also conduct urgent reviews of their current research partnerships, terminating them where involved parties are …
Government response. The Government is committed to providing support to UK universities and research institutions to help them to make informed decisions and manage risks when undertaking technological or research collaborations with other countries, including China. We will not accept collaborations which …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
29
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that the Government fund and manage the creation of a regularly- updated due diligence and intelligence database to provide universities with a directory of Chinese institutions and companies that possess strong or suspected connections to technology-aided human rights abuses. The FCDO should convene a panel to oversee and …
Government response. The Government, universities and funding bodies have a shared responsibility and interest in tackling the risks of academic interference. In October 2020, Universities UK published new security guidelines commissioned by the Government. The guidelines advise universities to utilise publicly available …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
30
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
Equipment manufactured by companies such as Hikvision and Dahua should not be permitted to operate within the UK. We recommend that the Government prohibits organisations and individuals in the UK from doing business with any companies known to be associated with the Xinjiang atrocities through the sanctions regime. The Government …
Government response. The Government is committed to supporting UK businesses to engage with China in a way that reflects the UK’s values and takes account of national security concerns. Last year, we published guidance to help cutting-edge UK firms negotiate the ethical, …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
31
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that the Government introduce a national, cross-departmental strategy for atrocity prevention.
Government response. The FCDO is committed to doing all it can on atrocity prevention in all settings, including non-conflict settings. We deploy a variety of tools, including early warning mechanisms, diplomacy, development and programmatic support, and defence tools—including the armed forces—to strengthen …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
32
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
While the FCDO is the lead department for mass atrocity prevention, we recommend that the Government issue clear guidance and training to all relevant departments about their specific responsibilities for mass atrocity prevention. The departments involved should have senior staff members designated as atrocity prevention leads. The newly announced Conflict …
Government response. See combined response to Recommendations 32 and 33 below.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
33
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should provide atrocity prevention ‘toolkits’ and atrocity prevention training for FCDO staff, with a mandatory refresher course every three years for all staff in diplomatic, programming, or policy-related roles.
Government response. Combined response to Recommendations 32 and 33. The FCDO ensures that all geographical departments have access to relevant expertise on atrocity prevention when formulating policy. Geographic departments work closely with our overseas network and are able to draw on expertise …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
34
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should implement additional early warning tools specifically focused on predicting mass atrocities, and mainstream non-conflict atrocity prevention 30 Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond thinking in the newly announced Conflict Centre. The Conflict Centre should be renamed to the Conflict and …
Government response. We agree on the importance of drawing on early warning tools to help to predict mass atrocities. Several international mechanisms already exist: the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and other regional organisations have their …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
35
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
We recommend that the Government appoint a Special Envoy on Atrocity Prevention to ensure that the prevention of mass atrocities is consistently championed in Parliament and Government.
Government response. We do not currently have plans to appoint a Special Envoy on Atrocity Prevention. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon has oversight of Government policy on atrocity prevention. He is FCDO Minister with responsibility for human rights policy and matters relating to …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
36
Recommendation
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
The Government should commit to funding further such research, which is doing vital work to expose those injustices which the Communist Party of China is eager to hide. (Paragraph 66) Conclusion
Government response. We recognise the important role that research plays in informing policy and shining a spotlight on the human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang. Research that the FCDO has already funded include reports published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
37
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
In a wider context, when in 2001 the People’s Republic of China was accepted into the World Trade Organization (following its admission to the UN Security Council in 1971 and the recognition of its national Olympic Committee by the IOC in 1979) it was expected that this would lead to …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
38
Conclusion
Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s R…
While we commend the ongoing work of the UK Government in speaking out and leading on the issue of Xinjiang at the United Nations, we are concerned that its actions do not match its rhetoric and have so far proved ineffective. A crisis of this scale requires a cross-government, cross-sectoral, …
Government response. The Government is grateful for the Foreign Affairs Committee’s report “Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond”, published on 8 July 2021. Promoting human rights around the world is at the heart of the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office