Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 17 November 2021, a regular meeting of the National Commission on Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor was held.

It was attended by members of the National Commission, representatives of responsible ministries and departments, non-governmental non-profit organizations, as well as media workers.

At the meeting, chaired by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairperson of the National Commission Tanzila Narbaeva, the work on combating human trafficking and forced labor for 9 months of 2021, measures taken and current issues in these areas were discussed.

In the past period, work has been consistently continued aimed at eradicating forced labor, child labor, strengthening the legislative framework in the field of ensuring guaranteed labor rights of citizens and bringing the legislative framework in line with international standards. In particular, 14 normative legal acts have been adopted and are being implemented, including 2 laws, 2 decrees and 4 resolutions of the President, 6 resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers.

A law was adopted that envisages the establishment of criminal liability for the use of minors for sexual purposes, a call for their participation in the activities of illegal public associations, and their involvement in forced labor.

In addition, a document was signed aimed at simplifying the adoption procedures, according to which persons who have committed less serious crimes and who have served sentences in places of detention are allowed to adopt children.

At the meeting, information was provided on the conduct of targeted work to combat trafficking in persons with the active participation of government bodies and civil society institutions.

The work carried out to eliminate the existing problems in this area and bring the practice in line with international standards is widely recognized by the international community.

Experts of the International Labor Organization, going beyond the framework of child labor and forced labor, now focus on the principles of decent work, the reduction of informal employment, social protection based on observations and monitoring in various directions, reforms carried out in the labor sphere of our country.

In particular, it was noted that in order to further strengthen interaction with the International Labor Organization, the Country Program for 2021-2025 on Decent Work in the Republic of Uzbekistan was signed in September this year, which focuses on creating decent working conditions, reducing informal employment and strengthening social protection.

It was noted that, despite the positive results in combating human trafficking and forced labor, there are still some problems in this area due to the irresponsibility and disdain of some local leaders.

The information of the heads of the relevant ministries and departments, as well as the chairmen of the territorial commissions on the work carried out was heard.

On the discussed issues of the agenda, a corresponding decision was made by the National Commission and the forthcoming tasks were determined.