Uzbekistan passes Labor Code amendment bill in first reading

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has reviewed and passed a draft law in its first reading aimed at introducing amendments and an addition to the Labor Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan to implement international labor standards.

The bill was introduced under a legislative initiative by a group of deputies.

During the discussion, lawmakers noted that ensuring respect for human dignity, reliably protecting citizens' labor rights, and improving labor relations in accordance with international standards are priority areas of state policy. They emphasized that the new edition of the Constitution established the primacy of human rights and freedoms, equality of all before the law, and the inadmissibility of any form of discrimination.

The draft law provides for the consistent implementation of the provisions of Convention No. 111 of the International Labor Organization, which has been ratified by Uzbekistan. Specifically, the bill proposes expanding the list of grounds upon which discrimination in employment and occupation is prohibited, adding characteristics such as skin color and political beliefs.

The document also contains a new norm aimed at protecting human dignity in labor relations and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. The proposal seeks to enshrine a provision in the Labor Code on the inadmissibility of sexual harassment in employment and occupation.

This specific provision became the subject of active discussion during the session. Deputies raised questions regarding the mechanisms for applying disciplinary or enforcement measures in cases of workplace sexual harassment.

Following the debate, the relevant committee was instructed to refine the specific provision, taking into account the proposals and recommendations voiced by the deputies.

Following the review, the Legislative Chamber passed the bill in its first reading.