Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Uzbekistan (Ratification: 1992)
Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 - Uzbekistan (Ratification: 2019)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. 1. Law enforcement. The Committee previously noted that sections 135 and 138 of the Criminal Code prohibit “the recruitment of persons for sexual or other exploitation and the forcible illegal deprivation of a person’s freedom”, including trafficking. It also noted the adoption of the Act on the Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons, 2008. It requested information on the application of these provisions in practice.

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report, submitted under the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), that in 2011, 597 cases (involving 654 accused) were brought before the courts under section 135 of the Criminal Code, and that in 2012, 574 such cases were brought. In 2012, the courts heard 169 cases relating to trafficking in persons, which resulted in the conviction of 274 persons. Of those convicted, 206 persons received penalties of imprisonment. The Committee also notes that the National Inter-departmental Committee to Fight Trafficking in Persons approved, in January 2013, the 2013–14 Plan of Measures to further Enhance the Effectiveness of the Fight against Trafficking in Persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the specific measures taken to prevent, suppress and combat trafficking in persons, including measures taken within the framework of the 2013–14 Plan of Measures to further Enhance the Effectiveness of the Fight against Trafficking in Persons. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of relevant provisions of the Criminal Code in practice, including the number of investigation, prosecutions, convictions, and the specific penalties applied.

2. Protection and reintegration of victims of trafficking in persons. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a draft Bill on amendments and additions to the Uzbekistan Employment Act includes additional guarantees related to employment for vulnerable groups, including former victims of human trafficking. It also notes the Government’s indication that 1,087 victims of trafficking (762 men and 325 women) were recognized as victims in trafficking cases brought before the courts in 2012. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to provide protection and assistance to these identified victims of trafficking. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of these measures, including the number of persons benefiting from services for victims of trafficking.

Articles 1(1) and 2(1). 1. Freedom of state employees to leave their service. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that public servants are covered by the provisions of the Labour Code, and may terminate their employment at their own request, like other categories of workers, in accordance with section 99 of the Code. It also noted that a draft law on state employees was under discussion. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the draft law on state employees, and to provide a copy, once adopted.

2. Mobilization and use of labour for purposes of economic development in agriculture (cotton production). The Committee refers to its comments addressed to the Government under Convention No. 105.

Article 2(2)(a). Use of compulsory military service for purely military ends. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement that there had been no instances in Uzbekistan of the use of conscripts for non-military ends, but that there were no guarantees to that effect in the national legislation. Noting once again that the Government’s report contains no information on this subject, the Committee reiterates its hope that, during the next revision of the legislation concerning compulsory military service, measures will be taken to include provisions specifying that the services exacted from conscripts shall be for purely military purposes.