By James A. Morrissey

A coalition of major US importers of textiles and clothing has issued a stern warning to Uzbekistan that it must cease using what they charge is child labor in cotton fields. Uzbekistan is heavily dependent on its exports of raw cotton and cotton products, which account for 20 percent of its exports and 15 percent of its gross national product.

A letter to the president of Uzbekistan signed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association, the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the US Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel, said that Uzbekistan must take “decisive and immediate actions to end the use of forced child labor in its cotton fields.”

Members of the coalition are among the leading purchasers of cotton products from Uzbekistan. While no direct threats were made, the coalition said its member companies are firmly committed to sourcing in countries that are respectful of human and workers’ rights.

The coalition pointed out that a number of North American and European companies and retailer brands have already taken measures to exclude Uzbek cotton from their merchandise because of child labor abuses, and warned “more companies would likely follow suit if sweeping improvements are not made soon.”