The European Union may sign the textile protocol with Uzbekistan after all. Five years ago it had decided not to sign because Uzbekistan was known to use child labor and forced adult labor in its textile production units.

But in 2013, Uzbekistan started permitting the ILO to monitor the annual harvest. Owing to boycott from major clothing manufacturers, Uzbekistan drastically cut down on child labor. So the ILO came to the conclusion that the use of children in cotton harvest had become rare and sporadic. In effect, it said, the practice of forced labor and child labor was effectively in the process of being eradicated.

However, human rights groups insist that forced labor has taken the place of child labor and continues to be used on a massive, nationwide scale in Uzbekistan. They say, independent monitors are harassed and not being allowed to examine the situation as closely as they would like to. They point to the fact that no concrete reforms have been implemented and no substantial results are visible. So the groups say the protocol should be signed only after thought and care. The issue will be put to vote in December.