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China: Labour Programme in Tibet

07 October 2020

Lead MP

Iain Duncan Smith
Chingford and Woodford Green
Con

Responding Minister

Nigel Adams

Tags

Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 13004
Other Contributors: 7

At a Glance

Iain Duncan Smith raised concerns about china: labour programme in tibet in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The Government should look at mandatory sanctions such as travel bans or asset freezes for officials responsible for forced labour in Tibet and other areas, support amendment 68 to the Trade Bill nullifying trade arrangements if genocide is determined, demand reciprocal access for independent international investigation into forced labour reports, call for a UN special rapporteur on Tibet, take a stance against China's human rights abuses, and consider moving the Winter Olympics from China due to its oppressive policies.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Chingford and Woodford Green
Opened the debate
Adrian Zenz has uncovered evidence of mandatory vocational training and forcible labour transfer schemes in Tibet, which involve driving out the sense of identity of indigenous people. Over half a million labourers were collected into camps in just seven months of 2020 under strict military management with enforced indoctrination and intrusive surveillance. The report highlights similarities to practices in Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region, including mass arbitrary detention and forced cultural assimilation aimed at eradicating ethnic identity. There are also reports of persecution against Christians and Falun Gong practitioners involving severe torture and possible organ harvesting.

Government Response

Nigel Adams
Government Response
The UK Government takes allegations about human rights violations seriously, including those related to the vocational training programme in Tibet. There is no evidence yet of mass internment or securitised environments similar to Xinjiang, but we are working closely with experts and international partners to understand the situation fully. The government has called for improved access for foreign visitors to Tibet and continues to urge China to respect fundamental rights. We have raised concerns at the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly, reflecting UK diplomatic leadership in addressing human rights issues.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.