8.2.4. EMPLOYMENT POLICY MODERN SLAVERY
8.2.4. EMPLOYMENT POLICY MODERN SLAVERY
- Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to affirm Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies’ (TSUOS) strong institutional commitment to the protection of human rights and ethical employment practices.
TSUOS condemns and strictly prohibits all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour in its operations and related activities.
The University strives to ensure that every person working within or on behalf of TSUOS does so freely, safely, and with dignity.
- Policy Objectives
This policy aims to:
- Prevent and eliminate all forms of modern slavery and exploitation within TSUOS operations;
- Ensure that all employment relationships are based on free and informed consent;
- Protect the rights of all employees, contractors, and students involved in university-related work;
- Promote transparency and accountability in all recruitment and employment practices;
- Strengthen awareness among staff, faculty, and partners about ethical labor standards.
- Legal and Strategic Framework
This policy has been developed in accordance with the following national legal and strategic documents of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
- “Oʻzbekiston Inson huquqlari boʻyicha Oʻzbekiston Respublikasining Milliy strategiyasi” (National Human Rights Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan);
- “Bola huquqlarining kafolatlari toʻgʻrisida”gi Qonun (Law on Guarantees of the Rights of the Child);
- “Oʻzbekiston Respublikasida majburiy mehnatga barham berishga doir qoʻshimcha chora-tadbirlar toʻgʻrisida” Vazirlar Mahkamasi qarori (Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on Additional Measures to Eliminate Forced Labour in the Republic of Uzbekistan);
- “Odam savdosiga qarshi kurashish toʻgʻrisida”gi Qonun (Law on Combating Human Trafficking of the Republic of Uzbekistan).
It also aligns with the ILO Conventions on Forced Labour, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
- Policy Statement
TSUOS strictly prohibits and will not tolerate:
- Forced labour: Any work or service extracted under threat, coercion, or without the individual’s free consent;
- Modern slavery: Any form of exploitation in which a person’s freedom is restricted for the purpose of control or profit;
- Human trafficking: Recruitment, transportation, or harboring of persons by threat, deception, or abuse of power for exploitation;
- Child labour: Employment of individuals under the legal minimum working age or in conditions harmful to their health, safety, or education.
All employment and partnership activities at TSUOS must fully comply with national and international labor standards.
The University ensures that no individual under 18 years of age is employed, and that all working relationships are entered into voluntarily, with full respect for labor rights.
- Scope
This policy applies to:
- All academic, administrative, and technical staff;
- Contracted and subcontracted personnel;
- Interns, volunteers, and students involved in university projects;
- Suppliers, vendors, and partner institutions engaged with TSUOS;
- Any organization or individual representing the University.
- Responsibilities
Human Resources Department
- Ensure that all recruitment and employment processes are transparent, voluntary, and in compliance with the law;
- Verify documentation and eligibility of all staff and contractors to prevent exploitation;
- Conduct periodic internal audits to confirm adherence to ethical labor standards;
- Investigate any suspected case of forced or child labor in coordination with the Trade Union Committee.
Trade Union Committee
- Protect employee rights and advocate for fair and voluntary employment conditions;
- Collaborate with HR to monitor and address risks of exploitation;
- Provide confidential channels for reporting unethical labor practices;
- Participate in awareness and training programs related to human rights and decent work.
University Leadership
- Promote institutional integrity and ethical governance;
- Ensure compliance with all national and international laws regarding human rights and labor practices;
- Support enforcement of this policy across all departments and affiliated entities.
All Employees and Contractors
- Must not engage in, support, or ignore any act of forced labour, trafficking, or exploitation;
- Are required to report suspected violations immediately to the HR Department or Trade Union Committee.
- Reporting and Complaints Procedure
Any staff member, student, or partner who suspects or becomes aware of a case involving forced labour, human trafficking, or child labour within TSUOS or its activities must report it immediately.
Reports can be made confidentially to:
- The Human Resources Department, or
- The Trade Union Committee, or
- Prevention Inspector attached to TSUOS, or
- The Rector’s Office.
TSUOS guarantees:
- Confidential handling of all complaints;
- Thorough and impartial investigation;
- Protection from retaliation for good-faith reporting;
- Cooperation with law enforcement agencies where necessary.
- Awareness and Training
TSUOS conducts regular training sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns on:
- Ethical employment practices and human rights;
- Risks and indicators of modern slavery and human trafficking;
- Child protection and safeguarding procedures;
- National and international labor standards.
All new staff are introduced to this policy and the University Code of Ethics during orientation.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
The Human Resources Department and Trade Union Committee jointly monitor the enforcement of this policy. They shall:
- Review recruitment and supply chain processes to prevent unethical practices;
- Maintain documentation verifying compliance with labor standards;
- Conduct an annual review of this policy alongside the University Code of Ethics to ensure ongoing alignment with legal and human rights frameworks;
- Report findings to the Rector’s Office for corrective and preventive actions.
- Institutional Commitment
TSUOS’s commitment to ethical employment and human rights protection is reflected in the University’s Code of Ethics, which is reviewed annually to ensure all staff understand their obligations regarding fairness, integrity, and respect for human dignity.
The University’s stance against modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour is absolute — these practices are incompatible with its academic mission, values, and the ethical principles of higher education.
- Effective Date
This policy takes effect upon approval by the Rector of Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies and shall remain valid until amended or replaced.
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