ILO and Uzbekistan agree to develop new programme to improve labour conditions and strengthen social justice

TASHKENT (ILO News) – High level talks held between International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and senior members of the Uzbek government have resulted in an agreement to develop a new Country Programme for Uzbekistan. The programme, which will also include support for the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, which is scheduled to run from 2026 to 2030, underscores both parties' commitment to improving labour conditions and promoting social justice in Uzbekistan.

Further discussions highlighted significant progress in Uzbekistan-ILO cooperation, including Uzbekistan’s adoption of more than 40 national labour-related regulatory documents and the ratification of 22 international Conventions, highlighting Uzbekistan’s commitment to ILO standards.

The ILO Director-General commended Uzbekistan's advances in labour rights and expressed support for its continuing reforms. Uzbekistan recently celebrated the first anniversary of a landmark labour agreement in its textile and garment industry. The agreement, with the ILO’s Better Work programme and the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan (FTUU), has led to notable improvements in working conditions and enhanced the country's position in the global apparel market. 

"In 2013 Uzbekistan agreed to cooperate with the ILO to eliminate forced labour and child labour during the cotton harvest. Today, for the ILO and for other countries, Uzbekistan has become a role model. We stand ready to continue to support you in implementing your ambitious reforms,” the Director-General said during the high-level conference on advancing social justice that he attended during his visit.

Houngbo also announced a new partnership between the ILO, Uzbek constituents and the Government of Germany to support the reform of labour inspection services.

The Director-General congratulated Uzbekistan on its recent election to the ILO Governing Body, the first time in the history of the country.