Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 25 December, the National Commission on Combating Human Trafficking and Promoting Decent Work held its latest meeting, chaired by the Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and Chair of the Commission, Tanzila Narbaeva.

The meeting was attended by members of the National and regional commissions, heads of relevant ministries and departments, NGOs, and media representatives.

The meeting focused on the ongoing efforts in Uzbekistan to combat human trafficking and promote decent work, the progress made in international cooperation, and future tasks.

The discussion highlighted the improvements in national legislation in this area and the integration of international norms into practice. Notably, the "From Poverty to Prosperity" program, initiated by the President of Uzbekistan, has elevated efforts to reduce poverty, provide modern skills training, ensure well-paid stable jobs, and support entrepreneurship.

As a continuation of this initiative, the President’s decree on "Measures to Improve and Increase the Effectiveness of State Policy in Employment and Poverty Reduction" has expanded the powers of the State Labor Inspectorate. Labor inspectors now have the authority to conduct unimpeded inspections to ensure compliance with labor rights and occupational safety laws.

This expansion of powers has contributed to reducing violations of labor laws in businesses, organizations, and institutions. Work on ratifying International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions continues, with five ILO conventions recently ratified.

A draft law to tighten penalties for human trafficking crimes has been developed, and this law has already been approved by the Senate.

In terms of new projects and further strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in international rankings, significant progress has been made in implementing the "road maps" approved by the National Commission.

Alongside positive achievements, the meeting addressed shortcomings in the field and issues that need attention. Leaders from the Ministries of Employment and Poverty Reduction, Internal Affairs, the Tripartite Commission on Social Work, and relevant ministries, departments, and regions presented reports on their work, deficiencies, and upcoming tasks.

Future tasks were set during the meeting, emphasizing the need to actively implement decent work principles, ensure citizens’ labor rights, and effectively address human trafficking. The importance of creating measures for 2025, based on a thorough analysis of each area, was also stressed. Furthermore, the joint development with the ILO of the Country Program for 2026–2030, with an evaluation of the tasks outlined in the Country Program for Decent Work in Uzbekistan for 2021–2025, was recognized as crucial.

Decisions were made by the National Commission based on the discussions.