Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Information on measures taken by the Republic of Uzbekistan to further improve the system of combating human trafficking and forced labor presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Representative Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan at the UN has been adopted as an official document of the UN General Assembly. The document is distributed in the 6 official languages of the United Nations among Member States of the United Nations.

It notes that on 30 July, in accordance with the decision of the 68th session of the UN General Assembly of 2013 declared World Anti-Trafficking Day, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the Decree “On additional measures to further improve the system of combating trafficking in persons and forced labor”.

The Republican Interdepartmental Commission on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has been transformed into the National Commission on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Forced Labor. Its updated composition was approved, headed by the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The main task of the National Commission is to coordinate the activities of state and territorial bodies, self-government bodies of citizens and non-governmental non-profit organizations in the field of combating human trafficking and forced labor in order to ensure the effectiveness of their activities, close interaction and coordination of work.

The National Commission is also entrusted with the work on the development and implementation of state programs in the field of combating human trafficking and forced labor in order to improve national legislation and law enforcement practice, and control over their implementation.

In addition, the creation and functioning of territorial commissions on combating trafficking in persons and forced labor under the leadership of the heads of regions is envisaged.

In Uzbekistan, the institution of the National Rapporteur on combating trafficking in persons and forced labor was first established, the functions of which are entrusted to the chairman of the National Commission. The national rapporteur carries out tasks on the annual submission to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of information on the current situation in the country and in the world in the field of combating trafficking in persons and forced labor, measures being taken to prosecute and punish persons involved in this type of crime, and to support victims of trafficking in persons. In addition, the National Rapporteur ensures effective cooperation and interaction with the international community, organizations and human rights defenders in the field of combating human trafficking and forced labor.

The adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of an official document testifies to the recognition of the large-scale and consistent work carried out by Uzbekistan in combating human trafficking and forced labor, and in protecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens.