Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A special session dedicated to the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12, was held as part of the 113th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva.

One of the key moments of the event was the presentation of Uzbekistan’s experience as a country that managed to completely eliminate the practice of child and forced labor in a short period of time — a milestone among the 187 participating countries of the conference.

The keynote address, titled “Uzbekistan’s Experience in Eradicating Child Labour”, was delivered by Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and head of the National Commission on Combating Human Trafficking and Promoting Decent Work.

In her remarks, she emphasized that the progress achieved was made possible by the strong political will and personal leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. These efforts enabled the practical implementation of sweeping reforms in labor rights protection and social justice.

Particular attention was drawn to Uzbekistan’s principled stance on prohibiting child and forced labor, along with the ratification of key international instruments — including the fundamental ILO Conventions and the Protocol to Convention No. 29 — which laid a solid legal foundation for systemic transformation in this area.

It was underscored that Uzbekistan’s revised Constitution and Labor Code now enshrine a complete ban on child labor. The country’s public policy prioritizes social protection and the enhancement of human dignity for every citizen.

Conference participants praised Uzbekistan’s efforts in implementing international standards, improving national legislation, strengthening accountability for labor rights violations, and reinforcing institutional capacity in this sphere.

Also delivering statements at the session were representatives of the International Labour Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation, the International Organisation of Employers, UNICEF, as well as official delegations from the Philippines, Morocco, Chile, Germany, and Brazil.

International experts noted that Uzbekistan’s current approach is considered a model for countries striving to eliminate child and forced labor.