Mirziyoyev: We eradicated forced labor through our firm stance

The complete elimination of child labor and forced labor in Uzbekistan had long remained one of the country’s most painful issues. It was only through strong will and a firm stance that this complex problem was resolved positively. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated this today, October 16, during a meeting with representatives and veterans of Uzbekistan’s trade unions.

It was noted that Uzbekistan’s advanced experience in eradicating child and forced labor has been recognized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) as a model and recommended to other countries.

Uzbek cotton has been removed from the ’’blacklist’’ of many prestigious global brand companies. The Cotton campaign organization has completely lifted its boycott of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is among the few countries participating in the United Nations initiative ’’Global accelerator on jobs and social protection for just transitions’’ and in the International Labor Organization’s ’’Global coalition for social justice.’’ Last year, the country was also elected as a member of the ILO administrative council.

’’There is no doubt that the achievements we are making today owe much to the trade unions, the most popular and largest non-governmental organization in the country, with nearly eight million members.

We have created all the necessary conditions for trade unions in Uzbekistan to operate freely and independently, and we remain committed to these principles. From now on, we will continue to firmly pursue the policy of ensuring the right to unite in trade unions and non-interference in their activities,’’ the President said.

It is well known that in the past, forced participation in the cotton harvest, particularly involving teachers and students, professors and university staff, doctors, and other employees of the social sector, was a common practice across Uzbekistan and, in some areas, remains a recent memory. As a result of these occurrences, Uzbek cotton was boycotted on the world market for 13 years. Following the adoption of 32 regulatory documents, four laws, and two presidential decrees in 2021, as well as four presidential and six government decisions, forced labor in cotton harvesting was eliminated, and the international boycott of Uzbek cotton was lifted.