June 12 — World Day Against Child Labour

Childhood is not work. It’s not a field or a factory floor.

We are the adults. And it is our responsibility to ensure that children have access to education, play, care, and protection.

In the textile industry — especially in countries with agrarian economies — the issue of child labour has long been a painful one. Uzbekistan has gone through this journey. It was difficult, but the outcome — the complete elimination of child labour — has been confirmed by the International Labour Organization.

We, as representatives of the private sector, witness this every day:
today, it is adults with contracts who work in the fields. Children are in school. And this has become the norm.

These changes didn’t happen on their own. They are the result of reforms, firm decisions, control, and conscious choice.

Today is a reminder:
behind every sweatshirt, shirt, or t-shirt, there should be no child’s hands.
Because adult labour must protect childhood — not take it away.