On December 21, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on additional measures on combating human trafficking and comprehensive implementation of the principles of decent work.
According to the document, the National commission on combating human trafficking and forced labor was transformed into the National commission on issues of combating human trafficking and decent work (unofficial translation). It will once more be led by Tanzila Narbayeva, the chairperson of the Senate of Oliy Majlis.
The National commission comprises:
- a sub-commission on combating human trafficking, led by Minister of Internal Affairs Pulat Bobojonov — deputy chairman of the National commission;
- a sub-committee on decent labor, led by Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction Bekhzod Musaev — deputy chairman of the National commission.
The National commission’s primary responsibilities include coordinating the activities of national executive authorities, citizens' self-governance bodies, non-governmental non-profit organizations, and other entities in the fight against human trafficking. Additionally, the commission is tasked with offering comprehensive support to victims of trafficking and promoting the widespread implementation of principles related to decent work, international labor standards, and the protection of labor rights of citizens.
The commission will undertake measures to develop international and regional cooperation in this field, reduce cases of irregular labor migration, enhance procedures for identifying, investigating, preventing and eliminating crimes related to human trafficking, and offering rehabilitation and reintegration services to victims.
The government body has been tasked to formulate regulations for sub-commissions and territorial commissions within a month.
The territorial commission on combating human trafficking and decent work will be led by regional and Tashkent khokims (governors) and the chairman of the Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan.
Additionally, the institute of the National rapporteur on the issues of combating human trafficking and decent work (unofficial translation) was established on the basis of the institute of the National rapporteur on combating human trafficking and forced labor (established in July 2019).
The rapporteur will inform the president on the annual updates in the country on combating human trafficking and the introduction of decent labor principles. The annual report will cover information regarding Uzbekistani citizens in foreign countries.
The person taking this position will continue being responsible for addressing attacks against Uzbekistan and defending the country’s national interests on the international arena.
