The Documentary Podcast
Blood on the shelves
Dec 2, 2024
Alison Killing, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist specializing in open-source intelligence, joins Runako Celina to expose the chilling realities of forced labor in Xinjiang's tomato industry. They reveal how tomato paste made under dire conditions likely reaches major UK and German supermarkets. The duo utilizes satellite imagery to unravel the supply chain, detailing the journey from labor exploitation to European shelves. Their findings spark crucial discussions about food ethics and the responsibilities of retailers in light of human rights violations.
37:57
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the alarming use of forced labor in Xinjiang's tomato industry, revealing its potential presence in European supermarkets.
- Investigative efforts utilizing satellite imagery and shipping data demonstrate the complexities of tracing human rights abuses in global supply chains.
Deep dives
Human Rights Abuses in Xinjiang
The podcast addresses serious human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang, China, where individuals, particularly Uyghurs, face mass detentions and forced labor. Reports indicate that entire villages can be emptied, with children sent to foster homes and elders imprisoned, creating a devastating impact on local communities. Personal accounts reveal the harrowing experiences of individuals like Mehmet, who endured torture and coercion, being forced into labor after his release from a prison camp. The environment in Xinjiang is one of extreme surveillance and fear, making open discussions about these abuses perilous.
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