Archive · 23 Jan 2026
China rejects UN experts' forced labour claims in Xinjiang
Some experts from the United Nations said that people from certain groups in China, like the Uyghurs and Tibetans, are being forced to work against their will.
They think this might be a very serious crime.
But the Chinese government said these claims are not true and that they are being unfairly accused.
Other countries and groups have also said they are worried about how these people are being treated, but China says they are doing everything right.
UN experts allege forced labour and possible enslavement of minority groups in Xinjiang and other regions.
China denies allegations, calling them fabricated and groundless.
Allegations enabled through a government-mandated poverty alleviation programme.
Human rights organisations and Western governments have raised similar concerns.
China urges UN experts to remain impartial and not be influenced by anti-China forces.
- Who
- UN experts, China's foreign ministry, human rights organisations, Western governments (US, Canada)
- What
- Allegations of forced labour and enslavement of minority groups in Xinjiang and other regions
- When
- UN experts' statement on January 23, 2024; China's response on January 24, 2024
- Where
- Xinjiang region and multiple provinces in China
- Why
- UN experts allege a persistent pattern of forced labour and coercion; China denies allegations and accuses experts of bias
- Alleged Groups Affected
- Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tibetans
- Alleged Crime
- Forcible transfer and/or enslavement
- China's Response
- Claims are fabricated and groundless
- UN Experts' Statement Date
- January 23, 2024
- China's Response Date
- January 24, 2024
- Alleged Enablement Mechanism
- Government-mandated poverty alleviation programme
- Regions Affected
- Xinjiang and multiple provinces