Uzbekistan marks World Day Against Child Labour 2026

TASHKENT REGION, Uzbekistan (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO), in cooperation with the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan and other national partners, marked the World Day Against Child Labour with an awareness-raising event at the Anor Children’s Health Camp in Tashkent region.

The event brought together children, youth, representatives of government institutions, workers’ organizations, development partners and local communities to reaffirm Uzbekistan’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and preventing child labour in all its forms.

This year, the World Day Against Child Labour was observed under the global theme “Red card to child labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults.” Inspired by the universal language of sport, the campaign calls for renewed action to ensure that every child enjoys the right to education, recreation and a safe childhood, while adults have access to decent work and sustainable livelihoods.

Opening the event, representatives of the ILO and national partners highlighted both global progress and remaining challenges in the fight against child labour. Participants reflected on Uzbekistan’s progress in eliminating the systemic use of child labour in cotton production and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to prevent child labour in all sectors of the economy.

© ILO

© ILO

The celebration featured a wide range of educational and recreational activities aimed at promoting children's rights and increasing awareness of the fundamental principles and rights at work. Through interactive sessions, sports activities and games, children learned about the importance of education, equality, non-discrimination, safety and dignity at work in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

The event was supported through the ILO RISE for Impact project, which promotes national efforts for the realisation of fundamental principles and rights at work in Uzbekistan’s cotton sector.

Representatives of the ILO emphasized that preventing child labour requires continued investment in quality education, effective labour market institutions, strong social protection systems, responsible business practices and decent work opportunities for adults.

The event highlighted the importance of continued cooperation to protect children’s rights and prevent child labour.