Media report from AFP claim Uzbekistan, the world's third-largest cotton exporter, has officially banned child labour in its cotton fields.

15 September 2008

AFP have reported that Uzbekistan, the world's third-largest cotton exporter, has banned child labour in its cotton fields after coming under pressure from US and EU importers. The pressures from major clothing brands and US and EU importers have come about in direct response to EJF’s ‘Pick Your Cotton Carefully’ campaign and the work of other NGO and campaigning groups.

EJF are happy to hear the reports but issues a warning to all parties that without independent verification and based on the history of events surrounding this issue, there is no indication that it is real or will be enforced.

According to AFP’s report, which is based on information provided by an official on the condition of anonymity, Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev signed a decree on Friday to implement two international conventions against child labour that have been ratified by Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan's new law defines 16 as the minimum age for employment.

Uzbek officials have never acknowledged the use of child labour in its cotton fields in the past.

For more information on forced child labour in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry watch EJF’s award winning film “White Gold” (7 mins) and join the campaign to clean up cotton.

www.ejfoundation.org/cotton