Uzbek govt wants Cotton Pledge lifted

BERLIN – A group of independent human rights defenders have called for the boycott by Western brands of Uzbek cotton to continue until forced labour has been completely eradicated in the country’s cotton fields. The calls come after the Uzbek government asked for the Uzbek Cotton Pledge to be lifted. The Uzbek Cotton Pledge is an initiative of the Cotton Campaign, which is currently supported by 313 brands and retailers such as Marks & Spencer and H&M. It is a commitment by the signatories to not knowingly source cotton from Uzbekistan as long as it is produced with forced labour.