Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports
Uzbekistan
Significant Advancement
In 2021, Uzbekistan made significant advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The government passed legislation which amended their law on commercial sexual exploitation of children to bring it into full compliance with international standards. The government amended the Code of Administrative Liability and the Criminal Code to increase punishments for forced labor and child labor, including its worst forms, and to create criminal liability for individuals who commit child labor violations. The government also undertook a survey to assess allegations of child labor in the silk industry and signed a new Decent Work Country Program for 2021–2025. Additionally, the government continued to raise awareness and enforce prohibitions against the use of child labor and forced labor in the cotton harvest. Research indicates that the use of forced labor in the cotton harvest has been eliminated outside of isolated incidents, largely as a result of government efforts to implement and enforce forced labor prohibitions. However, children in Uzbekistan are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also engage in child labor in agriculture and public works. While the Government of Uzbekistan has made strong progress in addressing labor issues in the cotton harvest, there continue to be impediments to the operation of NGOs in addressing broader labor concerns. Human rights NGOs and civil society organizations, including those working on forced and child labor issues, are frequently denied official registration for bureaucratic reasons, sometimes for failing to meet registration requirements that had not been publicly specified.
Children in Uzbekistan are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also engage in child labor in agriculture and public works. (1-3) Uzbekistan has not carried out a national child labor survey to determine the prevalence of child labor in sectors other than cotton production. (2) Table 1 provides key indicators on children’s work and education in Uzbekistan.
|
Children |
Age |
Percent |
|---|---|---|
|
Working (% and population) |
5 to 14 |
4.3 (244,095) |
|
Attending School (%) |
5 to 14 |
84.1 |
|
Combining Work and School (%) |
7 to 14 |
5.0 |
|
Primary Completion Rate (%) |
106.0 |
Source for primary completion rate: Data from 2020, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2022. (4)
Source for all other data: International Labor Organization's analysis of statistics from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 3 (MICS 3), 2006. (5)
Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children's work by sector and activity.
|
Sector/Industry |
Activity |
|---|---|
|
Agriculture |
Harvesting silk cocoons; picking cotton; preparing land for crop planting (1,6,7) |
|
Services |
Street work, including vending, car washing, and begging (1,7-10) |
|
Collecting scrap metal (6,8) |
|
|
Public works, including refurbishing school grounds and facilities (1,2,6,11,12) |
|
|
Vending in markets (7) |
|
|
Categorical Worst Forms of Child Labor‡ |
Commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (1-3,8,13) |
|
Forced labor in harvesting silk cocoons (6,13,14) |
|
|
Forced labor in construction, non-cotton agriculture, and cleaning parks, streets, and buildings (6,13) |
|
|
Illicit activities, including theft and the production or trafficking of drugs (1) |
‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.
Traffickers exploit Uzbek children in sex trafficking transnationally in the Middle East, Eurasia, and Asia. (13) Children are also vulnerable to internal trafficking for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. (3,12)
ILO monitors reported that prohibitions on child labor were generally upheld during the 2021 cotton harvest. However, ILO and civil society harvest monitors identified more cases of child labor than in recent years when only sporadic cases were identified. (1,15) In general, these children were 16 to 17 years old and accompanied by their parents. Civil society observers believe this increase in child labor cases is related to increased rural poverty. (1,15) Further, children in Uzbekistan sometimes participate in public works projects, including refurbishing school grounds and facilities. (1,2,6) Limited evidence suggests that in isolated cases, school officials may compel students to assist in harvesting silk cocoons, sometimes characterizing the work as traditional communal labor (khashar). (6,14)
In 2021, Uzbekistan received an influx of refugees from Afghanistan. While all children in Uzbekistan are entitled to free compulsory education regardless of ethnicity or immigration status, Afghan children who do not speak Uzbek or Russian struggle in Uzbekistan's schools. (1) In addition, although there is free public education in Uzbekistan, schools may charge informal fees, which can make education inaccessible to children from low-income families. (1,2,10,16)
Uzbekistan has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labor (Table 3).
|
Convention |
Ratification |
|---|---|
|
ILO C. 138, Minimum Age |
✓ |
|
ILO C. 182, Worst Forms of Child Labor |
✓ |
|
UN CRC |
✓ |
|
UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict |
✓ |
|
UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography |
✓ |
|
Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons |
✓ |
The government has established laws and regulations related to child labor (Table 4). However, gaps exist in Uzbekistan’s legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including clarifying criminal penalties for the use of children in illicit activities.
|
Standard |
Meets International Standards |
Age |
Legislation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Age for Work |
Yes |
18 |
Articles 15, 77, and 242 of the Labor Code; Article 49 of the Administrative Code (17-19) |
|
Minimum Age for Hazardous Work |
Yes |
18 |
Articles 241 and 245 of the Labor Code; Article 49-1 of the Administrative Code (18,19) |
|
Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children |
Yes |
Decree on Adoption of the List of Occupations with Unfavorable Working Conditions to Which It Is Forbidden to Employ Persons Under Eighteen Years of Age; Decree on Approval of Provision on Requirements on Prohibition of Use of Minors’ Labor (20,21) |
|
|
Prohibition of Forced Labor |
Yes |
Article 37 of the Constitution; Article 7 of the Labor Code; Article 51 of the Administrative Code; Articles 135 and 148(2) of the Criminal Code (18,19,22,23) |
|
|
Prohibition of Child Trafficking |
Yes |
Article 3 of the Law on Combating Human Trafficking; Article 135 of the Criminal Code (23,24) |
|
|
Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children |
Yes |
Articles 128, 128(1), 130, 131, and 135 of the Criminal Code (23) |
|
|
Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities |
Yes |
Article 10 of the Law on Guarantees of the Rights of the Child; Articles 56 and 127 of the Criminal Code (23,25) |
|
|
Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment |
Yes |
18 |
Article 24 of the Law on Universal Military Service (26) |
|
Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military |
Yes |
Articles 4 and 46 of the Law on Universal Military Service (26) |
|
|
Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups |
Yes |
Articles 216(1) and 242 of the Criminal Code; Article 3 of the Law on Civil Organizations (23,27) |
|
|
Compulsory Education Age |
Yes |
18‡ |
Articles 4 and 9 of the Law on Education (16) |
|
Free Public Education |
Yes |
Articles 4 and 5 of the Law on Education; Article 41 of the Constitution (16,22) |
‡ Age calculated based on available information (16)
During the reporting period, the government amended the Criminal Code to close a gap in the law which previously failed to criminalize the users (clients) of prostitution involving children ages 16-17, and the law was signed by the President in December. In February 2021, the Government of Uzbekistan also amended the Code of Administrative Liability and the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan to increase punishments for forced labor and child labor, including its worst forms. (1,23,28) Any individual who forces a child to work has now committed a criminal act, whereas previously an initial child labor violation only resulted in a civil penalty. The Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations (MOELR) also drafted a new labor code which was approved by the lower house of Parliament. (1,28) The updated labor code, once enacted, will more clearly specify acceptable types of work that minors may perform. (1)
The law does not determine the activities or conditions in which children who have not yet completed their compulsory schooling may engage in light work, although the Labor Code establishes caps on the maximum number of work hours permitted for children ages 15 to 17. (16,17)
The government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labor (Table 5). However, gaps exist within the operations of enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate enforcement of their child labor laws.
|
Organization/Agency |
Role |
|---|---|
|
Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations (MOELR) |
Conducts labor inspections, including inspections for compliance with child labor laws. (10) Leads the National Sub-Commission on Combating Forced Labor. (29,30) |
|
Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) |
Investigates crimes related to child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children, which may then be prosecuted by the Prosecutor General’s Office. (10) Leads the National Sub-Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons. (29,30) Maintains a database on human trafficking crimes, including child trafficking crimes, which aggregates relevant information received from other government bodies, citizens' organizations, non-profit organizations, and civil society groups. (12) |
|
Prosecutor General's Office |
Prosecutes criminal violations involving the worst forms of child labor, including forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. (10) Also provides oversight of some MOIA efforts to address the worst forms of child labor. (12) |
|
Agency for Youth Affairs |
Previously known as the Youth Union, monitors school attendance to ensure that students do not miss class during the cotton harvest. (1,9) Participates in monitoring efforts organized by the Federation of Trade Unions (FTUU) to monitor violations of labor laws during the annual cotton harvest. (31,32) |
|
State Committee for Family and Women’s Affairs |
Previously known as the Ministry of Mahalla and Family Support, responsible for oversight of various policies related to gender equality and family welfare. Subsumed the Women's Committee of Uzbekistan. (1) This agency was renamed by Presidential Decree in March 2022. (33) |
|
Human Trafficking Hotlines |
Receive reports of incidents of human trafficking and refer reports to the relevant agencies. The MOIA-led National Sub-Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons administers one hotline, and an NGO maintains a second foreign donor-funded hotline. (3,13) |
|
Feedback Mechanisms |
Receive complaints on the violation of workers’ rights and labor laws. MOELR can receive complaints, including on an anonymous basis, through a telephone hotline with a short, easy-to-remember number; a web portal; and a Telegram messenger bot. (34-38) Labor inspectors are required to investigate all complaints submitted to MOELR within 7 days. In 2021, labor inspectors investigated 148 complaints received through these channels. (1) FTUU also operates its own independent feedback mechanism, accessible online or over the phone, and a legal clinic that assists workers in remediating issues. In 2021, FTUU received 4,647 complaints. (1) |
Labor Law Enforcement
In 2021, labor law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan took actions to address child labor. (Table 6). However, gaps exist within the operations of MOELR that may hinder adequate labor law enforcement, including the reluctance of inspectors to conduct unannounced inspections other than on the basis of a complaint.
|
Overview of Labor Law Enforcement |
2020 |
2021 |
|---|---|---|
|
Labor Inspectorate Funding |
$142,000 (12) |
$150,000 (1) |
|
Number of Labor Inspectors |
344 (12) |
344 (1) |
|
Mechanism to Assess Civil Penalties |
Yes (12,39) |
Yes (12,39) |
|
Initial Training for New Labor Inspectors |
Yes (10,12) |
Yes (1) |
|
Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor |
Yes (10,40) |
Yes (1) |
|
Refresher Courses Provided |
Yes (10,12) |
Yes (1) |
|
Number of Labor Inspections Conducted |
5,154 (12) |
27,471 (1) |
|
Number Conducted at Worksite |
5,154 (12) |
Unknown |
|
Number of Child Labor Violations Found |
2 (12) |
6 (1) |
|
Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed |
2 (12) |
4 (1) |
|
Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected |
2 (12) |
4 (1) |
|
Routine Inspections Conducted |
Yes (10) |
Yes (1) |
|
Routine Inspections Targeted |
Yes (10) |
Yes (1) |
|
Unannounced Inspections Permitted |
Yes (39) |
Yes (39) |
|
Unannounced Inspections Conducted |
Yes (10) |
Yes (1) |
|
Complaint Mechanism Exists |
Yes (10,36) |
Yes (1) |
|
Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services |
Yes (10) |
Yes (1) |
The number of labor inspectors is likely insufficient for the size of Uzbekistan’s workforce, which includes more than 13.9 million workers. According to the ILO’s technical advice of a ratio approaching 1 inspector for every 20,000 workers in transitioning economies, Uzbekistan would need to employ about 700 inspectors. (41,42) During the reporting period, the MELR's labor inspectorate carried out 27,471 labor inspections, and identified 19,967 labor violations, mostly related to workplace safety. However, the government did not disclose how many of these inspections took place on site or were targeted to high-risk sectors. (1) This represents a dramatic increase in labor inspections from 2020, in large part due to an increase in inspections during the cotton harvest—from around 3,000 in 2020 to over 13,000 in 2021. (28,43) The inspectorate continued to conduct targeted inspections in high risk sectors such as cotton and construction, and, in cooperation with the ILO, also undertook a survey to investigate allegations of forced labor and child labor in the silk sector. With regard to training, the government reported that 215 labor inspectors attended advanced training courses in 2021. (1) In June, the ILO also conducted online training courses on forced labor for employees of MOELR, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the labor inspectorate. In addition to labor inspectors employed by MOELR, local governments employ an additional 200 “assistant inspectors” who can participate in labor inspections but are not allowed to impose administrative fines, and the Federation of Trade Unions (FTUU) employs 33 labor monitors, who can refer potential violations to the labor inspectorate for investigation and imposition of penalties as appropriate. (1,12)
In accordance with legislation passed in 2020, fines imposed for labor violations were as high as $2,000. MOELR identified six cases of child labor, all of which involved children working on refurbishing school facilities and grounds. (1) Four individuals were ultimately fined for these violations, and 31 children were removed from child labor. (1)
Labor inspectors are empowered to conduct self-initiated unannounced inspections in public-sector enterprises and, with permission from the Business Ombudsman, are authorized to conduct limited inspections at private-sector businesses. However, reports indicate that in practice, inspectors may be reticent to enter private businesses or homes on an unannounced basis and typically only do so in response to complaints. (1,2,10-12,36,44,45)
The government continued its commitment to monitor labor violations in the cotton harvest, with labor inspectors monitoring 13,419 farms and clusters during harvest season. These efforts identified 65 local officials who violated labor legislation, 5 of whom were prosecuted under Article 51 of the Code of Administrative Liability. (28) The government continued to support the ILO’s Third‐Party Monitoring of the cotton harvest, which in 2021 was largely implemented by a group of local activists. Local authorities also conducted large‐scale publicity campaigns to raise public awareness of pickers’ rights, distributing more than 800,000 flyers to residents of cotton‐producing regions. (28) International observers assess that the Government of Uzbekistan has succeeded in eliminating systematic forced labor from the cotton harvest, though scattered instances of coercion persist. (15,28)
Criminal Law Enforcement
In 2021, criminal law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan took actions to address child labor (Table 7). However, gaps exist within the operations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) that may hinder adequate criminal law enforcement, including in investigation planning.
|
Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement |
2020 |
2021 |
|---|---|---|
|
Initial Training for New Criminal Investigators |
Yes (12) |
Yes (1) |
|
Training on New Laws Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
Yes (10) |
Yes (1) |
|
Refresher Courses Provided |
Yes (10) |
Yes (1) |
|
Number of Investigations |
12 (12) |
9 (1) |
|
Number of Violations Found |
13 (12) |
13 (1) |
|
Number of Prosecutions Initiated |
8 (12) |
9 (1) |
|
Number of Convictions |
6 (12) |
9 (1) |
|
Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
Yes (12) |
Yes (1) |
|
Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services |
Yes (10) |
Yes (1) |
During the reporting period, the Academy of the MOIA graduated 120 cadets, all of whom received training on human trafficking, including modules on child labor. Additionally, 1,802 investigators received training on new laws related to trafficking in persons and child labor. (1) In 2021, law enforcement investigated 9 criminal cases involving 15 individuals suspected of procuring children for commercial sexual exploitation. Because of these investigations, 13 child victims were identified and referred to rehabilitation centers for services. (1) The investigation resulted in nine convictions: six individuals received prison sentences, one received a sentence of “restriction of freedom,” one was sentenced to correctional labor, and one received probation. (1)
Although criminal liability for repeat forced labor offenses was introduced in early 2020 under Criminal Code Article 148(2), monitoring reports note enforcement challenges that may have hampered the government's ability to initiate criminal prosecutions for forced labor offenses. (23,46) In addition, criminal enforcement agencies may face difficulties collecting sufficient evidence to prosecute complicit officials. (46) Limited reports suggest that MOIA investigations into potential cases involving the worst forms of child labor may not be thorough enough to detect violations or gather sufficient evidence to move forward with prosecution. (36,47)
The government has established mechanisms to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8). However, gaps exist that hinder the effective coordination of efforts to address child labor, including repeatedly denying human rights NGOs from officially registering with the government.
|
Coordinating Body |
Role & Description |
|---|---|
|
National Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor (National Commission) |
Coordinates state and local entities' efforts to address sex trafficking and forced labor; analyzes and monitors efficacy of government programs to address sex trafficking and forced labor; organizes international cooperation on efforts to address sex trafficking and forced labor; and provides legal and policy recommendations for improvement of government efforts in these areas. (29,30) Chaired by the National Rapporteur on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor. (29) Comprises two sub-commissions to address sex trafficking and forced labor, respectively. MOIA heads the Sub-Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and the Minister of Labor heads the Sub-Commission on Combating Forced Labor. (1,2,29,30) In 2021, the National Commission met four times to discuss progress in addressing trafficking in persons and forced labor under the 2019 roadmap. (1,28) |
|
National Rapporteur on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor (National Rapporteur) |
Chairs the National Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor. Reports annually to the President on sex trafficking and forced labor issues, government efforts to punish perpetrators, and services for survivors of sex trafficking and forced labor crimes. (29,30) Conducts public awareness-raising activities related to sex trafficking and forced labor. (30) In 2021, the National Rapporteur supported MOIA in signing a Road Map Action Plan for the implementation of the USAID Safe Migration in Central Asia program. (48) |
|
Oliy Majlis Commissioner for Children’s Rights† |
Created in August 2021 by Presidential Decree No. UP‐6275. Responsible for proposing measures to protect the rights of children. (1) |
|
Local Commissions for Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor (Local Commissions) |
Ensure timely and rigorous implementation of all laws and regulations, including those issued by the National Commission, related to sex trafficking and forced labor. (12,49) Local Commissions are chaired by the regional hokim (governor) and provide monthly reports to the National Commission. (49,50) Research was unable to determine whether actions were undertaken by the Local Commissions during the reporting period. |
† Coordinating mechanism was created during the reporting period.
During the reporting period, the National Sub-Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons worked with the UNODC to develop and release guidance on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for identifying victims of human trafficking. The SOPs were used as guidance for law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, and NGOs that are members of the National Commission on Combatting Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor. (28) International organizations reported that the Sub-Commission's lack of a designated secretariat hampered communication with external stakeholders including NGOs and anti-trafficking in persons activists, which delayed action on activities to counter human trafficking. (36)
In 2021, the government continued to engage in dialogue with civil society stakeholders on child and forced labor issues. However, there were also continued reports that many human rights NGOs, including those working on forced and child labor issues, were repeatedly denied official registration, sometimes for failing to meet requirements that had not been publicly specified. (15,34,51,52)
The government has established policies related to child labor (Table 9). However, policy gaps exist that hinder efforts to address child labor, including lack of implementation.
|
Policy |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Memorandum of Understanding Between the ILO and the Republic of Uzbekistan (2021–2025)† |
Establishes terms of agreement between ILO and the government on cooperation to implement the Decent Work Country Program in Uzbekistan. In 2021, the Government of Uzbekistan and ILO signed a new agreement for 2021–2025, focused on improving the framework for labor relations and creating better work opportunities for youth and other vulnerable groups. (1,53) |
|
Action Plan on Implementing International Recommendations to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
Establishes a work plan to address international recommendations to advance the elimination of the worst forms of child labor in Uzbekistan. Aims to improve labor and criminal law enforcement, coordination, policies, and social programs related to the worst forms of child labor. (54) In 2021, the Action Plan was updated twice to call for implementation of recommendations from U.S. Government reports. (28) |
|
Policies for Seasonal Cotton Harvest Workers |
Establishes the minimum wages for cotton pickers and sets other guidelines with the goal of attracting voluntary labor to the annual harvest. (32,37,55) These policies continued to be implemented during the 2021 harvest, and wages continued to rise as the harvest progressed to compensate for lower earning potential in the end stages. (43) |
|
Strategy for the Development of Agriculture in the Republic of Uzbekistan (2020–2030) |
Calls for a reduction of the state's involvement in agriculture and enhances farmers' autonomy over what crops to grow. (56,57) Research was unable to determine whether activities were undertaken to implement this policy during the reporting period. |
† Policy was approved during the reporting period.
In 2020, President Mirziyoyev formally abolished the practice of imposing state quotas for cotton production. (57-59) Under this quota system in previous harvests, local and regional officials were held responsible for mobilizing adequate labor to harvest a centrally determined amount of cotton, which observers reported was a root cause of forced labor and increased the risk of child labor. (60,61) International and civil society monitors observed that, in some areas, local governments continued to set harvest “targets” during the 2021 cotton harvest in apparent violation of the nationwide ban. (62) However, observers have noted that the 2021 cotton harvest was free of systemic forced labor organized by either local or central government officials. (15,43)
The central government adequately communicated through all branches of government that the use of forced labor in the 2021 cotton harvest would not be tolerated. The labor inspectorate monitored the harvest closely and responded to investigate every allegation of forced labor that was identified. (43) Some clusters are investing in mechanical harvesting equipment and methods, which reduce the need for manual labor during the harvest. Clusters have also taken a varied approach to recruiting seasonal laborers, with some clusters investing in implementation of fair recruitment practices. (34,46,63,64) ILO and civil society monitors found that in some districts, the adoption of these practices resulted in a significant decrease in labor exploitation. (34,46)
In 2021, the government funded and participated in programs that include the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor (Table 10). However, gaps exist in these social programs, including the inadequacy of programs to address the full scope of the problem.
|
Program |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Efforts to Prevent Child and Forced Labor in the Cotton Harvest† |
Includes initiatives to raise awareness about the prohibition of child and forced labor in the cotton harvest. (63,65) In 2021, the government distributed thousands of informational flyers to residents in cotton-producing regions about pickers' rights and prohibitions on child labor and forced labor. (28) |
|
National Rehabilitation Center† |
MOELR-operated shelter that provides human trafficking survivors with emergency medical and social services and assists in social rehabilitation. (2,8,65) This center continued to provide services to survivors of the worst forms of child labor in 2021. (1) |
|
Population Employment Facilitation Centers† |
Local centers run by MOELR to connect the unemployed with job opportunities, including paid public work and seasonal agricultural work. Match job seekers with labor needs in the cotton harvest to reduce the risk of forced labor. (2,35) These centers continued to operate during the reporting period. (1) |
|
From Protocol to Practice: A Bridge to Global Action on Forced Labor (The Bridge Project) |
USDOL-funded global project implemented by ILO to support global and national efforts aimed at countering forced labor of adults and children under the 2014 ILO Protocol and supporting Recommendation to C.29 on Forced Labor. (66) In 2021, the project trained 14 directors of regional labor inspectorates on soft skills and interviewing techniques for forced labor investigations. Additional information is available on the USDOL website. (66) |
† Program is funded by the Government of Uzbekistan.
In 2021, the government continued to refer children removed from child labor and human trafficking to social services in accordance with the new trafficking in persons law passed in 2020. (1) According to government data, the MOELR’s Agency for External Labor Migration provided legal, financial, and social assistance to 323,620 labor migrants overseas, as well as entrepreneurship and vocational training to 23,878 returned labor migrants. (28)
Although there are programs to address child labor in the cotton sector, research did not find evidence of programs designed to address child labor in other sectors, such as public works and street work.
VII. Suggested Government Actions to Eliminate Child Labor
Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Uzbekistan (Table 11).
Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Uzbekistan (Table 11).
|
Area |
Suggested Action |
Year(s) Suggested |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Framework |
Ensure that the law’s light work provisions specify the activities and conditions in which children who have not yet completed their compulsory schooling may work. |
2020 – 2021 |
|
Enforcement |
Continue to increase the number of labor inspectors to meet the ILO’s technical advice. |
2015 – 2021 |
|
Share detailed information on whether labor inspections are taking place at work sites and target inspections to high-risk sectors. |
2021 |
|
|
Ensure that labor inspectors conduct self-initiated unannounced inspections in all sectors, including at private enterprises, even if no complaint has been filed. |
2018 – 2021 |
|
|
Thoroughly investigate all potential criminal cases involving the worst forms of child labor and, when sufficient evidence exists, refer violations for criminal prosecution. |
2020 – 2021 |
|
|
Remove barriers to investigating and prosecuting officials who may be complicit in child labor violations. |
2021 |
|
|
Coordination |
Ensure that the Local Commissions to Combat Trafficking in Persons meet and carry out their mandates to ensure timely and rigorous implementation of all laws and regulations, including those issued by the National Commission, related to sex trafficking and forced labor. |
2021 |
|
Designate standard mechanisms for communication between external stakeholders and national coordinating bodies to facilitate coordination of efforts to address forced labor and sex trafficking. |
2020 – 2021 |
|
|
Remove obstacles to the registration of NGOs monitoring child labor, forced labor, and other labor rights issues, including making all registration requirements public, and penalize officials who harass, intimidate, or abuse labor rights activists. |
2017 – 2021 |
|
|
Government Policies |
Ensure that activities are undertaken to implement local policies to protect cotton pickers and the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture in the Republic of Uzbekistan and publish information on activities implemented during the reporting period. |
2021 |
|
Social Programs |
Collect and publish data on the extent and nature of child labor to inform policies and programs. |
2013 – 2021 |
|
Ensure educational access for children who do not speak Uzbek or Russian. |
2021 |
|
|
Ensure that schools do not charge informal fees to students or their families. |
2019 – 2021 |
|
|
Expand programs to address the worst forms of child labor in sectors other than cotton harvesting. |
2009 – 2021 |
- U.S. Embassy- Tashkent, Reporting. February 1, 2022.
- U.S. Embassy- Tashkent. Reporting. January 13, 2020.
- U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report- 2021: Uzbekistan. Washington, D.C., June 30, 2021.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-trafficking-in-persons-report/uzbekistan/ - UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, both sexes (%). Accessed March 3, 2022. For more information, please see “Children’s Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
http://data.uis.unesco.org/ - ILO. Analysis of Child Economic Activity and School Attendance Statistics from National Household or Child Labor Surveys. Original data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 3 (MICS 3), 2006. Analysis received March 2022. Please see “Children’s Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
- Uzbek-German Forum for Human Rights. There is no work we haven't done: Forced labor of public sector employees in Uzbekistan. February 2019.
http://uzbekgermanforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Uzbekistan.Forced-Labor-in-Public-Sector-Report.English.1.2019.pdf - International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations. Information on the compliance of the Republic of Uzbekistan from 2017 through 2019 with Convention No. 138 of the International Labour Organization “Minimum Age Convention” 1973 (adopted in Geneva on 26 June 1973 at the 58th session of the ILC-ILO) and Convention No. 182 of the International Labour Organization “Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention” 1999 (adopted in Geneva on 17 June 1999 at the 87th session of the ILC-ILO). August 30, 2018. Source on file.
- U.S. Embassy- Tashkent. Reporting. February 22, 2019.
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https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/01/28/submission-committee-economic-social-and-cultural-rights-uzbekistan - Government of Uzbekistan. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Education. Enacted: 2020.
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https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=98879 - Government of Uzbekistan. Administrative Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Enacted: 1994.
https://lex.uz/acts/97661 - Government of Uzbekistan. Decree on Approval of Provision on Requirements on Prohibition of Use of Minors' Labor. Enacted: 2010. Source on file.
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http://gov.uz/en/constitution/ - Government of Uzbekistan. Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Enacted: 1994. As Amended: 2021.
https://lex.uz/docs/111457 - Government of Uzbekistan. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Introduction of Changes and Additions to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Combatting Human Trafficking." Enacted: August 2020.
https://www.lex.uz/acts/4953319#4958741 - Government of Uzbekistan. Law No. ZRU-139 On the Guarantees of the Rights of the Child, UZB-2008-L-85548. Enacted: 2008.
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex_browse.details?p_lang=en&p_isn=85548 - Government of Uzbekistan. Law on Universal Military Service. Enacted: 2002. Source on file.
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https://www.lex.uz/acts/111827 - U.S. Embassy- Tashkent. Reporting, February 17, 2022.
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http://uza.uz/ru/documents/o-dopolnitelnykh-merakh-po-dalneyshemu-sovershenstvovaniyu-s-31-07-2019 - Government of Uzbekistan. On measures to further improve the system of combating trafficking in persons and forced labor. September 19, 2019. Source on file.
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https://lex.uz/en/docs/5884176 - Uzbek Forum for Human Rights. Key findings from the 2020 cotton harvest in Uzbekistan. January 28, 2021.
https://www.uzbekforum.org/key-findings-from-the-2020-cotton-harvest/ - Government of Uzbekistan. Information of the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Measures for Countering and Prevention of Forced Labor. October 28, 2019. Source on file.
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https://changeinuzbekistan.com/report/ - Government of Uzbekistan. Labor rights enforcement in Uzbekistan: Annual report 2020. May 2021.
https://mehnat.uz/en/news/uzbekistan-launches-first-ever-annual-report-on-enforcement-of-labour-standards - Government of Uzbekistan. Cabinet of Ministers Decree no. 1066 on measures for the fulfilment of activities of the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Enacted: December 31, 2018.
https://nrm.uz/contentf?doc=574333_&products=1_vse_zakonodatelstvo_uzbekistana - Government of Uzbekistan. Instances of forced labor in the cotton harvest discussed at regular National Commission meeting. News release. December 5, 2020.
https://mehnat.uz/ru/news/na-ocherednom-zasedanii-nacionalnoy-komissii-obsuzhdalis-sluchai-prinuditelnogo-truda-vo-vremya-sbora-hlopka-v-tekuschem-godu - UN. World Economic Situation and Prospects 2017 Statistical Annex. 2017. Please see “Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/publication/2017wesp_full_en.pdf - ILO Labor Force Statistics (LFS) – Population and labour force. Accessed (January 25, 2022). https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/ Labor force data is government-reported data collected by the ILO. Please see "Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions" in the Reference Materials section of this report.
- Uzbek Forum for Human Rights. A Turning Point in Uzbekistan's Cotton Harvest. March 2022.
https://www.uzbekforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/UZBEK-FORUM_harvest_report.pdf - Government of Uzbekistan. Experience of Uzbekistan in eradicating forced labor. December 10, 2019. Source on file.
- Government of Uzbekistan. Decree No. 5490, On measures to further the establishment of a system for protecting the rights and legal interests of business entities. Enacted: July 2018.
https://lex.uz/ru/docs/3839752 - ILO. 2020 third-party monitoring of child labour and forced labour during the cotton harvest in Uzbekistan. January 2021.
https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---ilo-washington/documents/projectdocumentation/wcms_767756.pdf - U.S. Embassy- Tashkent. Reporting, December 30, 2020.
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http://ht.gov.uz/2021/07/халқаро-ташкилотлар-билан-ҳамкорлик/ - Government of Uzbekistan. Written communication on measures to further improve the system of combating trafficking in persons and forced labor. September 19, 2019. Source on file.
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- Human Rights Watch. Uzbekistan: Registration Barriers for Independent Groups. January 7, 2021.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/01/07/uzbekistan-registration-barriers-independent-groups - Uzbek Forum for Human Rights. The time for words has passed. Uzbekistan should simplify the rules for registration of NGOs and legitimize civil society voices. April 7, 2021.
https://www.uzbekforum.org/the-time-for-words-has-passed-uzbekistan-should-simplify-the-rules-for-registration-of-ngos-and-legitimize-civil-society-voices/ - ILO. ILO – Uzbekistan cooperation is on track: Decent Work Country Programme for 2021-2025 signed. September 22, 2021.
https://www.ilo.org/moscow/news/WCMS_820537/lang--en/index.htm#:~:text=Today, Uzbekistan implements wide-ranging,their right to decent work.&text=It will contribute to the,a new Uzbekistan, he said - Government of Uzbekistan. Action Plan on Improving the position of Uzbekistan in the next report of the US Department of Labour on "Worst forms of child labor" and the implementation of recommendations on the removal of Uzbek cotton and silk cocoons from the "List of goods produced using child labour or forced labour." Approved: November 10, 2020. Source on file.
- Kun.uz. The Labor Ministry sets wage rates for manual cotton harvesting. September 5, 2020.
https://kun.uz/ru/news/2020/09/05/v-mintrude-nazvali-tarify-po-oplate-truda-za-ruchnoy-sbor-xlopka - Government of Uzbekistan. On approval of the strategy for the development of agriculture in the Republic of Uzbekistan 2020–2030. Enacted: October 23, 2019.
https://lex.uz/ru/docs/4567337 - Review.uz. A historic document has been adopted: Uzbekistan renounces state orders for cotton. March 6, 2020.
https://review.uz/ru/post/prinyat-istoricheskiy-dokument-uzbekistan-otkazalsya-ot-goszakaza-na-xlopok - Uzbek Forum for Human Rights. Cotton Chronicle 2020. October 25, 2020.
https://www.uzbekforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Uzbekistan_Cotton_Harvest_2020.pdf - Schweisfurth, Lynne. Eliminating forced labor in Uzbekistan's cotton sector – a work still in progress. The Diplomat. December 15, 2020.
https://thediplomat.com/2020/12/eliminating-forced-labor-in-uzbekistans-cotton-sector-a-work-still-in-progress/ - U.S. Department of State. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices- 2018: Uzbekistan. Washington, D.C., March 13, 2019.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2018-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/uzbekistan/ - Uzbek-German Forum for Human Rights. Why the practice of "forced voluntary" cotton harvesting in Uzbekistan continues. November 19, 2019.
http://uzbekgermanforum.org/why-the-practice-of-forced-voluntary-cotton-harvesting-in-uzbekistan-continues/ - U.S. Embassy- Tashkent. Communication to USDOL official. June 16, 2022.
- Government of Uzbekistan. Human value of labor: Progress log and a look into the future. 2019. Source on file.
- U.S. Embassy- Tashkent. Reporting, October 22, 2020.
- Government of Uzbekistan. Response to TDA Questionnaire. January 25, 2017.
- U.S. Department of Labor. International Labor Affairs Bureau. From Protocol to Practice: A Bridge to Global Action on Forced Labor (The Bridge Project).
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/protocol-practice-bridge-global-action-forced-labor-bridge-project-0
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