The Government of Turkmenistan and the ILO signed a Protocol amending the Memorandum of Understanding on monitoring labour conditions during the cotton harvest

The Government of Turkmenistan and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed a Protocol introducing amendments and additions to the Memorandum of Understanding concluded on 14 September 2023 regarding the monitoring of labour conditions during the cotton harvest in Turkmenistan.

The document establishes the continuation of cooperation between the parties and extends the commitments of the Memorandum into 2025, including field visits and monitoring activities by international observers. All other provisions of the Memorandum remain unchanged.

The signing of the Protocol reflects Turkmenistan’s commitment to the effective implementation of its international obligations to improve working conditions and to prevent cases of forced and child labour. It is important to note that in 2024 amendments were made to the list of jobs with harmful and hazardous conditions, prohibiting the employment of persons under the age of eighteen. This list now specifically includes the positions of “cotton picker” and “cotton grower.” This step forms part of the implementation of the Roadmap for Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2024–2025, which also provides for awareness-raising activities and training for local authorities, social partners, and specialists.

All these measures reaffirm Turkmenistan’s open and constructive stance in implementing international labour standards and safeguarding human rights.