Up to 1,000,000 Uighurs have been in forced labor camps in Xinjiang province
72% confidence
Foreign AffairsAsia
Omissions
The MEP conflates or conflates two distinct issues: (1) mass detention in re-education camps and (2) forced labor programs. The 'up to one million' estimate primarily refers to detention/re-education camps, not specifically forced labor camps.
The one million figure dates primarily from 2018-2020 estimates (CHRD, UN). More recent data from 2025 suggests lower numbers in detention (half a million according to RFA), though forced labor continues through different mechanisms.
The claim does not specify time period; the peak detention estimates (one million) are from 2018-2020, not current figures as of 2026.
Sources from 2025-2026 indicate the situation has evolved, with some camps reportedly closed but forced labor continuing through labor transfer programs.
Sources
PrimaryUN Human Rights Office (OHCHR)UN experts alarmed by reports of forced labour of Uyghur, Tibetan and other minorities in China, noting persistent pattern of alleged State-imposed forced labour
SecondaryBBC NewsA million ethnic Uighurs may be being held in 're-education centres', UN rights panel was told in 2018
SecondaryAmnesty InternationalUp to one million detained in China's mass 're-education' drive in Xinjiang