Despite significant reforms, Uzbekistan’s cotton sector continues to struggle from forced labor risks, says a new report on the 2023 harvest. Though the country seems to have eliminated widespread, state-sponsored forced labor in the sector, pressure from officials and lack of worker protections are creating vulnerabilities, adds the report.
During the harvest season this, coercion in the sector increased though there was no systematic, government-imposed forced labor. Officials were pressured to meet targets, leading to mobilisation of employees in some areas, the report adds.
The sector also continues to struggle from systemic issues like state control, lack of farmer choice, weak protections for workers. The progress achieved by the sector remains fragile and faces backsliding risk without introducing deeper reforms, says the report. It urges brands sourcing cotton from Uzbekistan to be vigilant and demand transparency.
The report also urges the Uzbekistan Government to strengthen worker protections and freedom of association. It calls for farmers’ rights to choose buyers and negotiate prices. It also recommends independent monitoring of the sector to improve transparency.
