Uzbek Senate Discusses Countering Human Trafficking

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A regular meeting of the National Commission on Countering Human Trafficking and Decent Work took place in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan on 13 August 2026 under the chairmanship of Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbaeva, the Senate reported.

Participants reviewed the results of the work of the National Commission, its subcommissions, and regional commissions for the first half of 2026, and discussed existing problems.

During the reporting period, work continued to ensure decent labor, protect labor rights, prevent human trafficking, and incorporate international labor standards into national legislation.

In particular, in accordance with the requirements of International Labour Organization Conventions No. 87 and No. 98, a law aimed at strengthening guarantees of citizens' labor rights was adopted. In addition, draft laws were developed to improve the Labor Code, prevent discrimination and sexual harassment, reduce informal employment, protect labor, and develop dual education.

Special attention was paid to identifying victims of human trafficking, providing them with comprehensive social services, and integrating them into society.

In the labor sphere, measures were taken to comply with labor legislation, prevent forced and child labor, and create decent conditions for workers. Work also continued to protect the rights of farmers, improve land relations, and regulate mutual settlements between cotton-textile clusters and farms.

As a result, debt recovery was ensured in favor of farmers.

International labor and technical standards were implemented at 286 enterprises. These include ISO, Oeko-Tex, Sedex, Better Work, BSCI, GOTS, and BCI.

As part of international cooperation, an Uzbek delegation attended the 114th session of the International Labour Organization held in Geneva on 8–11 June 2026. The meeting presented ongoing reforms in the country regarding decent work, the eradication of forced labor, and the improvement of labor relations based on international standards.

The meeting also critically reviewed existing shortcomings. Reports were presented by heads of responsible ministries and departments, as well as regional commissions of Tashkent, Ferghana, and Samarkand regions.

Following the meeting, draft plans of additional measures to broadly introduce international labor standards and ensure decent work principles were sent for implementation. A roadmap for Uzbekistan for 2026–2029 within the framework of the International Labour Organization Alliance 8.7 initiative was also considered.

Responsible ministries and departments were instructed to ensure the fulfillment of assigned tasks, systematize work in this area, and eliminate identified problems.