I. Introduction: A System of Coercion 
China’s rapid industrial and economic growth has been overshadowed by persistent reports of forced labour camps and widespread human rights violations. From Uyghur detention facilities in Xinjiang to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, minorities and dissidents are systematically exploited under coercive labour systems. These abuses not only violate international norms but also drive many Chinese citizens and persecuted groups to flee abroad, seeking safety, justice, and dignity. 

II. The Legacy of Re-Education Through Labour 
Although China officially abolished its notorious ‘re-education through labour’ (laojiao) system in 2013, reports indicate that similar practices persist under new names. Citizens accused of political dissent, religious practice, or minor infractions are still detained in camps where they endure long hours of forced work under harsh conditions. 

III. Xinjiang: Uyghur Forced Labour 
The situation in Xinjiang is one of the most visible examples of forced labour in modern China. Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are reportedly detained in vast internment camps, subjected to political indoctrination, and compelled to work in factories producing goods for global markets. International investigations have linked these supply chains to major global brands, raising urgent ethical and political concerns. 

IV. Forced Labour of Falun Gong Practitioners 
Falun Gong practitioners, targeted for their spiritual beliefs, are subjected to severe persecution, including detention in forced labour facilities. Testimonies from survivors describe gruelling working conditions, torture, and psychological abuse aimed at breaking their resistance and forcing renunciation of their faith. 

V. Tibetan Exploitation and Cultural Suppression 
Tibetans are also subjected to coercive labour systems, often under the guise of ‘poverty alleviation’ programs. Reports suggest that Tibetans are relocated into industrial facilities where they face exploitative conditions, further eroding their cultural and spiritual traditions. 

VI. Prison Labour and Lack of Transparency 
Chinese prisons are notorious for their use of forced labour. Detainees, including political prisoners, are compelled to produce goods ranging from textiles to electronics. Opaque reporting and lack of transparency make it difficult to trace these goods, but survivor accounts consistently reveal systematic exploitation. 

VII. Harsh Conditions and Abuse in Camps 
Those detained in labour camps face inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate food, and physical abuse. Beatings, solitary confinement, and denial of medical treatment are routinely reported, contributing to long-term trauma and, in some cases, death. 

VIII. Impact on Families and Communities 
The forced detention of individuals reverberates through their families and communities. Children are often left without parents, while spouses face economic hardship and social stigma. Entire communities experience cultural erosion as members are targeted and dispersed. 

IX. International Condemnation and Sanctions 
Governments and international organisations have condemned China’s use of forced labour, with some imposing sanctions and banning imports linked to these abuses. However, global reliance on Chinese manufacturing complicates enforcement, leaving many victims without adequate protection. 

X. Migration as a Means of Escape 
For many Chinese citizens and persecuted minorities, fleeing abroad is the only way to escape forced labour and systemic abuse. Asylum seekers often cite detention in camps, persecution for religion or ethnicity, and coercive labour as grounds for protection. 

XI. Diaspora Advocacy and Resistance 
Chinese diaspora communities and exiled minorities play a key role in exposing forced labour abuses. Through testimony, advocacy, and lobbying, they bring international attention to practices often hidden behind China’s state-controlled narrative. 

XII. Conclusion: Migration as a Testament to Abuse 
Forced labour camps and systemic human rights violations remain a defining feature of repression in China. Until these practices end and accountability is enforced, migration will remain both a necessity for survival and a living indictment of the state’s abuses. The growing exodus of Chinese citizens and minorities underscores the urgent need for global action against forced labour and persecution.