World Bank Document

Against this background, the WBG has adopted a comprehensive approach to the 

child and forced labor issue with respect to Bank financed projects.  Specific steps include: 

(a) introduction of a Third Party Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism in project areas in 

partnership with the International Labor Organization (ILO); (b) analytical work, policy dialogue, 

and investments to support the comprehensive modernization of agriculture, including sustainable 

cotton growing and harvesting practices (in line with the principles of the Better Cotton Initiative), 

reform of the state order system, and crop diversification; and (c) collaboration with other 

international organizations, CSOs, and development partners. Following the 2015 cotton harvest, 

the ILO concluded that there is no longer systematic use of child labor, that concerns remain about 

forced adult labor, however, and that further action is needed to reduce and eliminate it. In January 

2016, the government announced measures to mitigate the risk of forced labor in the upcoming 

cotton season, and committed to eliminating the practice.