This coalition also comprises US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), Responsible Sourcing Network, Anti-Slavery International, Uzbek Forum for Human Rights, Child Labor Coalition, and National Consumers League.
In a letter directed to Secretary Chavez-DeReemer, the signatory bodies have expressed deep concern over the termination of the ILAB endeavour known as “Enhancing Transparency and Accountability of Uzbekistan’s Cotton Industry.”
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These organisations are part of the Cotton Campaign, an alliance that unites business interests and labour representatives in an effort to eradicate forced labour and other exploitative practices within the cotton industries of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
The coalition explained that the ILAB project dedicated to Uzbek cotton aligns with the objectives of the Cotton Campaign by fostering skills development and advocating for adherence to standards that safeguard fundamental rights for farmers and labourers in Uzbekistan’s cotton sector—elements that are essential for equitable and durable supply chains.
The project prioritises American interests by safeguarding American workers and enterprises, ensuring fair competition with Uzbek cotton produced under substandard and deplorable conditions, and preventing exploitation by textile and apparel firms that might otherwise capitalise on such practices, noted the group.
Additionally, it believes the contract upholds the standing of American workers by promoting a competitive environment characterised by comparable rights and safeguards.
The coalition said: “Eliminating this project, on the other hand, sets America back, enabling Uzbek cotton to undercut US cotton and American farmers, forcing American workers to compete against forced labour and unsavoury labour practices, and enabling dodgy textile and apparel companies to benefit from unfair trade practices, leading to a huge competitive advantage over US businesses for one of the biggest materials used in clothes. For these reasons, we urge you to immediately reinstate ILAB’s Uzbek cotton project.”
The project, which started in August 2022, aims to improve labour conditions and prevent forced labour in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry.
The initiative is set to bolster the ability of employees to advocate for their own rights within the workplace.
Additionally, the project will assist local cotton businesses in adhering to global labour standards and maintaining sound corporate governance principles.
Uzbekistan produces more than one million tonnes of cotton, making it one of the largest producers globally.
The project is intended to run until December 2026.
In January last year, global stakeholders signed a two-year memorandum of cooperation to improve working conditions and eradicate forced labour in Uzbekistan’s cotton and textile production.
