A new ILO Approach on Good Governance and Decent Work in Uzbekistan’s Cotton, Textile and Apparel Sector

On 29 November 2023, the ILO presented its new Approach to Good Governance and Decent Work in Uzbekistan's Cotton, Textile, and Apparel Sectors.
The ILO approach aims to achieve important objectives, such as respecting fundamental principles and labour rights in the cotton supply chain, developing inclusive and sustainable enterprises, and strengthening the capacity of employers' and workers' organisations to promote decent work.

The participants confirmed their commitment to developing decent working conditions in Uzbekistan. They validated a new project Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) in the Cotton Supply Chain (INDITEX Project) for the period 2023-2026.

The project aims to strengthen respect for fundamental principles and rights at work and consists of two phases. The first, implemented over five years in India, Pakistan and Mali, concerns promoting fundamental labour rights in the lower levels of the cotton supply chain. The second will cover India, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, specifically focusing on health and safety in the workplace.

During the event, the parties also discussed the application of ratified ILO Conventions No. 87 and No. 98, as well as the implementation of the Better Work Uzbekistan work plan and strategic priorities launched in June 2023 to improve working conditions and drive competitiveness in the country's garment sector, enhance dialogue between employers and employees and implement international labour norms and standards.

These actions are part of a broader collaboration between social partners in Uzbekistan and the ILO, which in September 2021 signed a Decent Work Country Programme for 2021-2025.