Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In Washington, Chairperson of the National Commission to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor Tanzila Narbayeva and Minister of Employment and Labor Relations Nozim Khusanov held talks with US Deputy Undersecretary of Labor Thea Lee. 

During the meeting, the American side was informed in detail about the latest changes in the legislation of Uzbekistan and the strengthening of law enforcement measures aimed at preventing and completely eradicating forced labor. Separately, the effective implementation of mechanisms for monitoring forced labor during the cotton harvest with the involvement of civil society institutions was emphasized, the implementation of programs to ensure decent working conditions, as well as the implementation of the legal instruments of the International Labor Organization (ILO) were explained. 

Lee noted that in recent years Uzbekistan has made significant progress in the field of eliminating forced labor and welcomed the plans of the republic to continue implementing the decent work program and the so-called tripartite mechanisms of interaction with the ILO. The American side also highly appreciated the expansion of the involvement of civil society institutions in the monitoring process, as well as the introduction of the practice of examining legal acts for compliance with ILO conventions.

In addition, the parties also discussed measures to support independent trade unions to build confidence from international brands and ensure the country’s competitiveness in the selection of responsible suppliers.

During the meeting, the progress of the implementation of the project of the US Department of Labor "Improving transparency and accountability in the cotton industry of Uzbekistan" for a total of US$2 million was also discussed.

It was noted that this project is of particular importance, as it allows strengthening the collective rights of workers (trade union organizations) and ensuring compliance with business and labor relations standards at local cotton enterprises in accordance with international labor standards and good corporate governance.

As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached to further strengthen permanent contacts on the implementation of joint programs in the field of improving the system of labor relations while respecting human rights, ensuring employment for the population, as well as creating decent working conditions.