Clothing brand H&M has stopped using cotton produced in Xinjiang, citing "forced labor" in the region, according to a "statement about due diligence" posted on the group's official website.

The statement reads:

H&M Group is deeply concerned about reports from civil society organizations and the media, including allegations of forced labor and discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang).We strictly prohibit the use of any type of forced labor in our supply chain, regardless of country or region.If we find and verify cases of forced labor from suppliers we work with, we will take immediate action that will ultimately result in termination of the business relationship.