On September 26, the United States Department of Labor unveiled its annual report on the worst forms of child labor, known as the TDA Report. This comprehensive document assesses efforts made by countries worldwide to eradicate child labor practices. Among the countries evaluated, Uzbekistan, alongside Argentina, Colombia, and Côte d'Ivoire, achieved the prestigious status of "significant development" for its ongoing dedication to combating child labor.
Uzbekistan's Remarkable Progress
Uzbekistan's journey to attain the "significant development" status is particularly noteworthy. In 2011, the nation was categorized under the lowest tier due to a perceived lack of substantial efforts to eliminate child labor. However, over the past decade, Uzbekistan has demonstrated a remarkable transformation.
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor upgraded Uzbekistan to "moderate" development status. Finally, in 2022, the nation was elevated to the coveted "significant development" category. This progression underscores Uzbekistan's consistent commitment to eradicating child labor within its borders.
Assessment Criteria
The TDA Report evaluates countries based on several key criteria:
1. Legislation and Regulations: The presence of laws and regulations prohibiting child labor.
2. Law Enforcement and Institutional Mechanisms: The effectiveness of systems for addressing child labor violations.
3. Social Programs: Initiatives aimed at preventing child labor and supporting affected children.
4. Efficiency: The overall effectiveness of a country's policies in combating child labor.
Uzbekistan's Achievements
Uzbekistan's remarkable advancement is attributed to several key initiatives taken by the government:
- New Labor Code: In October 2022, Uzbekistan's President signed a revised Labor Code into law. This updated code imposes stricter restrictions on employment for individuals under 18, including prohibitions on underground work, employment in nightclubs, and work related to alcoholic beverages and narcotics. It also addresses forced labor and seeks to improve employment prospects for vulnerable populations.
- Reducing Informal Labor: The government has actively worked to reduce informal employment, enhancing oversight to ensure compliance with child labor laws.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns have targeted high-risk sectors, educating both the public and potential offenders on the consequences of child labor.
- Collaboration with International Bodies: Uzbekistan has cooperated with the International Labor Organization to conduct surveys on working conditions in the construction sector.
- Action Plans: The National Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor has adopted action plans to implement U.S. government recommendations on child labor and trafficking.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite these commendable efforts, Uzbekistan still faces challenges in combatting child labor. The report notes instances of children being subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including commercial sexual exploitation, often as a result of human trafficking. Additionally, child labor persists in agriculture and public works.
Furthermore, there remain impediments to the operation of non-governmental organizations addressing labor concerns. Human rights and civil society organizations, especially those focused on forced and child labor issues, frequently face registration difficulties due to bureaucratic reasons.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan's elevation to "significant development" status in the fight against child labor reflects a decade of dedicated efforts. However, challenges persist, particularly in addressing the worst forms of child labor and enabling civil society organizations to operate effectively.
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