The economy of the central Asia republic of Uzbekistan relies heavily on cotton with hundreds of thousands of workers coerced into the annual harvest. While international campaigns have led to a decrease in the number of children being gang pressed for the harvest, the numbers have been taken up by more adults being forced to harvest cotton. Death and injuries are common. The latest campaign in support of Uzbeki workers is to prevent the European Union from signing a textile treaty with Uzbekistan as it would only lead to a rise in demand for cotton without any extra labour protection.
The economy of the central Asia republic of Uzbekistan relies heavily on cotton with hundreds of thousands of workers coerced into the annual harvest. While international campaigns have led to a decrease in the number of children being gang pressed for the harvest, the numbers have been taken up by more adults being forced to harvest cotton. Death and injuries are common. The latest campaign in support of Uzbeki workers is to prevent the European Union from signing a textile treaty with Uzbekistan as it would only lead to a rise in demand for cotton without any extra labour protection.
