Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Today, an international conference titled "Strengthening Principles of Social Justice in Uzbekistan through Employment Coordination and Social Protection" took place in Tashkent.

The conference was attended by the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the National Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Issues of Decent Work Tanzila Narbaeva, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Guy Ryder, representatives of ministries and agencies, NGOs, and the diplomatic corps.

Speakers particularly highlighted the work undertaken in recent years under the leadership of our head of state to strengthen the organizational and legal foundations for protecting the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens in Uzbekistan, combating human trafficking, providing comprehensive protection to its victims, preventing forced labor, and its complete elimination, as well as developing cooperation with international organizations active in these areas.

In this regard, Tanzila Narbaeva emphasized that the conference marks the first step towards strengthening social justice and improving policies in the fields of employment, social protection, strengthening human rights institutions, reducing and preventing inequality and poverty.

The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Guy Ryder, specifically noted that Uzbekistan has achieved significant success in eradicating forced and child labor, becoming an example for the ILO and other states. Reforms initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and supported by social partners are comprehensive.

It was noted that in our country, forced and child labor have been completely eradicated, and efforts have begun to implement corresponding decent work standards. As a result, the boycott of Uzbek cotton has been lifted.

Furthermore, legal protection for citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan temporarily working abroad has been elevated to the level of state policy.

During the event, it was highlighted that human rights protection, creating decent jobs, ensuring employment for the population, and strengthening social protection are integral parts of the "Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy.

Attention was also paid to Uzbekistan’s efforts in ensuring employment. As a result of measures taken in recent years, the unemployment rate in our country has decreased from 10.5% in 2020 to 6.8% in 2024.

The poverty rate has decreased from 17% in 2021 to 11% by the end of 2023.

Today, Uzbekistan boldly moves forward in implementing principles of social justice and decent work. After Uzbekistan ratified ILO Convention No. 144 in 2019, the Republican Tripartite Commission on Social and Labour Issues was established, which includes representatives of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, the Ministry for Poverty Reduction and Employment, and the Republican Confederation of Employers.

Panel sessions were also held during the conference on topics such as "Current State of Labour Norms and Rights," "Financing Decent Jobs for Transition to Green Economy," and others.

A conference resolution was adopted upon its conclusion.