It is said that workers of different spheres are forced to collect cotton

There are reports on social networks that in the Kashkadarya region workers are being forced to work on cotton harvesting.  The National Commission to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labour, headed by the President of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Norboba, responded to these communications.

It is noted that the National Commission against Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labour should immediately investigate and address any form of forced labor, decent working and recreational conditions for workers, and bring perpetrators to justice.  It is also mentioned that the prohibition of forced labor is regulated by national legislation and criminalized.

“Dear compatriots, if you have problems related to forced employment or the creation of decent conditions of work and rest, we ask you to contact the helplines «1176» and «1092».

All information and requests will be promptly reviewed and action taken.  It is guaranteed that no personal information will be disclosed without the consent of the applicant”, - says the commission statement.

Recall that in March this year the coalition “Cotton Campaign” cancelled the boycott of Uzbek cotton.  The boycott was introduced in 2009 due to the regular use of child and forced labor in cotton harvesting.  This seriously undermines the cost of Uzbek cotton on the international market.