Ministry warns against forced labor amid cotton harvest monitoring

According to the ministry, new incidents of forced labor have been detected during cotton picking.

In particular, in the Kumkurgan district of Surkhandarya region, deputy governor N.D. instructed members of women’s and family councils to mobilize citizens for cotton harvesting. The official was held administratively liable under Part 1, Article 51 of the Administrative Responsibility Code and fined.

Similarly, the head of the Abu Ali ibn Sino Information and Library Center in Bukhara, N.A., was fined for the same violation.

In total, 74 cases of labor law violations have been identified since the beginning of the cotton harvesting season. Administrative measures were applied to officials found responsible under Part 1, Article 49 of the Administrative Responsibility Code (violation of labor and occupational safety laws).

Additionally, eight officials have been held accountable under Part 1, Article 51 for allowing forced labor. Assistance was provided to more than 1,400 cotton pickers in formalizing seasonal employment contracts.

The ministry emphasized once again that any form of forced labor is strictly prohibited in Uzbekistan, and violators will face legal consequences in accordance with the law.