Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Mobilization and use of labour for purposes of economic development in agriculture (cotton production). The Committee previously noted the observations made by the Council of the Trade Unions Confederation of Uzbekistan, communicated by the Government with its 2004 report, which contained allegations concerning practices of a mobilization and use of labour for purposes of economic development in agriculture (cotton production), in which public sector workers, schoolchildren and university students are involved. It also notes a communication concerning the same subject, dated 17 October 2008, received from the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), which was sent to the Government on 4 November 2008, for any comments it might wish to make on the matters raised therein. The IOE alleges that, despite the existence of the legal framework against the use of forced labour, there are continued non-governmental organizations and media reports denouncing the systematic and persistent use of forced labour, including forced child labour, in the cotton fields of Uzbekistan.

The Committee notes the Government’s statements in its latest report, received in March 2008, that under no circumstances may employers use compulsory labour for the production or harvesting of agricultural products in Uzbekistan, and government officials cannot impose compulsory labour on the population for the profit of private employers. The Government also indicates that there are no legislative provisions governing this issue. The Committee notes, however, the adoption in September 2008 of a decree prohibiting the use of child labour in cotton plantations in Uzbekistan.

The Committee requests the Government to comment on the workers’ and employers’ observations referred to above, indicating, in particular, how the participation of the public sector workers, schoolchildren and university students in the cotton harvest is organized, and what measures have been taken or envisaged to ensure the observance of the Convention, which expressly prohibits the use of forced or compulsory labour for purposes of economic development. Please also supply available statistics and copies of any relevant documents, reports, studies and enquiries.

The Committee is also addressing a request on certain other points directly to the Government.