uzbekistan at Brave New Films

Children Harvest Cotton in Uzbekistan 2008

2008-12-01T14:55:23Z

Uzbekistan is the worlds second largest exporter of cotton and up to one third of the countrys workforce labors on cotton farms. While the cotton industry is very profitable for a few large landowners and political elites, the vast majority of cotton farmers live in dire poverty. Independent union representation is almost nonexistent for workers. Thousands of children as young as seven work in the cotton fields instead of attending school in order to meet government-imposed cotton production quotas. Even children who are enrolled in rural schools are often dispatched to work in the fields when their schools are closed down during harvest time by government officials. Some children are conscripted to work in remote areas where they are forced to stay in dormitories while they pick cotton. Children are even compelled to apply toxic pesticides in parts of Uzbekistan without appropriate protective gear.

While the government of Uzbekistan has made public commitments to ending these brutal practices, this video made by Uzbek activists shows children still working the cotton fields in the spring of 2008.

ILRF is working with human rights organizations, socially responsible investors, and businesses to pressure the Uzbek government to stop child labor immediately.

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Uzbekistan's president guaranteed re-election - 23 Dec 07

2008-10-21T09:29:43Z

Uzbekistan's President Karimov is guaranteed to extend his almost 20 year rule in the country by another seven years. The nation has no opposition parties and Karimov has stifled independent media.

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