Background

Companies in all industries are encouraged to conduct reviews of their supply chains as international scrutiny of the use of forced labor intensifies.

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg offers a comprehensive suite of services to help companies address forced labor concerns, including supply chain reviews, due diligence strategies, and proactive remediation. In addition, ST&R has launched a new web page offering a broad range of information on forced labor-related efforts in the U.S. and around the world. ST&R also has an on-demand webinar on forced labor and supply chain transparency available online.

For more information on any of these initiatives, please contact Amanda Levitt (at (212) 549-0148) or via email), David Olave (at (202) 730-4960 or via email), or Nicole Bivens Collinson (at (202) 730-4956 or via email).

As one example of the increased attention forced labor issues are receiving, the United Nations Human Rights Council has sent letters to a range of international companies about the potential use of forced labor in China. The UNHCR said it has received information that these companies may be involved through their supply chains in alleged forced labor, arbitrary detention, and trafficking in Uyghurs and other minority workers within and outside China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. These workers are predominantly employed in low-skilled, labor-intensive industries such as agribusiness, textiles and apparel, automotive, and technology.

The council said it has also received information regarding multinational corporations sourcing items from factories in China, including in Xinjiang, not being allowed to freely access those factories in order to exercise adequate oversight and human rights due diligence. 

The letters asked for further information from each company but warned that the UNHRC will soon be issuing a press release highlighting its concerns about the use of forced labor in China and that this press release will indicate that the council has been in contact with the companies receiving the letter.

Copyright © 2024 Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; WorldTrade Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.

ST&R: International Trade Law & Policy

Since 1977, we have set the standard for international trade lawyers and consultants, providing comprehensive and effective customs, import and export services to clients worldwide.

View Our Services 

Close

Cookie Consent

We have updated our Privacy Policy relating to our use of cookies on our website and the sharing of information. By continuing to use our website or subscribe to our publications, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.