The Four Corners exposé on forced labour in the cotton industry in Xinjiang, China, has shed light on the disturbing reality behind the production of many of the clothes we wear. The investigation revealed that Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities are being subjected to forced labour in camps and factories in the region, and that the cotton produced in Xinjiang is being used by some of the world's largest clothing brands.

This is a serious human rights issue, and it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential human cost of their clothing purchases. By choosing to buy clothes from brands that are committed to ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency, we can help to reduce the demand for products made with forced labour.

Here are some tips for shopping for clothes ethically:

* Look for brands that are transparent about their supply chains and have a commitment to ethical sourcing.

* Avoid buying clothes from brands that are known to use forced labour or have poor labour practices.

* Consider buying second-hand clothes or upcycling existing clothes.

* Support small, independent designers and brands that are committed to ethical production.

By making informed choices about our clothing purchases, we can help to create a more just and sustainable fashion industry.

Additional information:

* The Four Corners exposé is available on ABC iview.

* For more information on forced labour in the fashion industry, see the following resources:

* The Ethical Fashion Guide

* Fashion Revolution

* Greenpeace's Detox campaign