Volkswagen exits the Uyghur Region

Volkswagen has announced the sale of its manufacturing site in the Uyghur Region, along with two test tracks in the region, citing “economic reasons” and strategic realignment. This move comes amid growing scrutiny of corporate involvement in regions linked to forced labor and human rights abuses.

Freedom United has been at the forefront of this issue, launching a campaign urging car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, to commit to ethical supply chains and cut ties with forced labor in Uyghur Region. We also protested in Berlin during their AGM this year and handed in our petition with tens of thousands of signatures to the company. Advocacy efforts like this have been instrumental in increasing the pressure on corporations to align their practices with human rights standards.

While Volkswagen has not explicitly linked its decision to human rights concerns, the sale signals a shift in how economic and ethical considerations are shaping corporate strategies. This outcome highlights the power of collective action, demonstrating that when communities unite to demand accountability, companies take notice.