Surkhandarya Official Penalized for Forced Youth Labor

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — R. Rakhmatjonov, head of the Youth Affairs Department of Sariosiyo district in Surkhandarya Region, has been held administratively liable after an investigation confirmed reports that youth leaders were forced to collect votes for projects under the Open Budget initiative, the State Labor Inspectorate said.

Earlier, social media reports alleged that the official had required youth leaders to collect votes for Open Budget projects and had subjected them to insulting treatment.

The State Labor Inspectorate reviewed the reports in accordance with established procedures.

The investigation confirmed the information circulated on social media.

R. Rakhmatjonov was held administratively liable under Article 51 of Uzbekistan’s Code of Administrative Responsibility.

The article establishes liability for administrative coercion to labor in any form, except in cases provided for by law.

The State Labor Inspectorate stressed that allowing forced labor constitutes a violation of the law.

The Inspectorate continues to exercise state oversight over compliance with labor legislation and the protection of labor rights.