Panel discussion

How Uzbekistan is eradicating child and forced labour in the cotton harvest

Launch of the ILO report on the third-party monitoring of child and forced labour in the 2018 Uzbek cotton harvest

On 1 April, the ILO will launch its report on the third-party monitoring of child and forced labour in the 2018 Uzbek cotton harvest.

The launch event, jointly organized with DG DEVCO, will present the main results of this report and discuss the role the government, the ILO, the European Commission, the development partners and human rights activists played in eradicating forced and child labour in the cotton fields in 2018.

The speakers and the audience will have the opportunity to exchange on how Uzbekistan can position itself as a major exporter of textiles and garments and what other countries can learn from the Uzbek experience.

Background

Significant changes have occurred in Uzbekistan since Shavkat Mirziyoyev was elected President. The reforms he introduced are wide-ranging and impact most, if not all, parts of Uzbek society. One example is how Uzbekistan is transforming from a producer of raw cotton to a major manufacturer and exporter of textiles and garments. To improve its labour rights record, the Uzbek government is working closely with the ILO through a programme supported by the European Commission, the Swiss government and the US Department of State.

The reforms are working. Uzbekistan demonstrated major progress on eradicating forced and child labour in the cotton fields in 2018. Forced labour during the cotton harvest in Uzbekistan was reduced by 48% compared to 2017. In relation to previous years, the systemic use of child labour is no longer a concern.

The event will be held on Monday 1 April, from 9.30 until 12.30, followed by a walking lunch, at the European Institute for Asian Studies, rue de la Loi 26, Brussels. Registration is mandatory. Please register via this link.