JAPAN FORWARD, Avatar photoShimpei Okuhara November 17, 2025

Lawmakers are exploring a Japan-style Forced Labor Prevention Act after the Uyghur Congress urged tougher import rules and protection for Uyghur refugees.

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Keiji Furuya, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Election Strategy Committee, met with Turgunjan Alawdun, president of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), at the National Diet on November 11.

Following the meeting, Furuya announced plans to introduce a Japan-style Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, modeled on the United States law that effectively bans imports from China’s Xinjiang region. He said a project team would be launched within the cross-party Japan Uyghur Parliamentary Association, which he chairs. The group is expected to soon begin drafting the bill and examining possible legislative frameworks.

During the meeting, the WUC submitted a written statement to the parliamentary group outlining three key requests. These included confirmation of the safety of Uyghurs who have naturalized in Japan or studied there, a ban on imports linked to forced labor in Xinjiang, and stronger protection for Uyghur refugees abroad. Furuya indicated that he would relay these proposals to the Japanese government for consideration.

Unresolved Abuses, Renewed Support

Alawdun emphasized that serious human rights violations in Xinjiang remain unresolved, while the Chinese government continues to deny responsibility and attempts to downplay the issue. He criticized Beijing’s state-organized “Xinjiang tours” for foreign visitors as stage-managed efforts to conceal ongoing abuses and called for an independent, transparent international investigation.

In addition, Alawdun raised concerns over Beijing’s transnational repression. This includes pressure on Uyghur activists overseas through intimidation of relatives and the use of financial influence in other countries.

At her first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 31, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed serious concern about Uyghur human rights.

Former World Uyghur Congress president Dolkun Eisa praised Takaichi’s stance, describing her as a source of hope for Uyghurs worldwide. He urged other leaders to follow her example. In a subsequent press statement, Eisa said Takaichi met with them without hesitation, showed a deep understanding of the issue, and signaled a desire to remain engaged, giving Uyghur communities hope.

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Author: Shimpei Okuhara, The Sankei Shimbun

https://japan-forward.com/uyghur-congress-presses-japan-to-act-on-forced-labor-in-china/