Global Brands Boycott Uzbek Cotton

A number of global sportswear brands, including Adidas and Puma, joined the boycott of Uzbekistan’s cotton for use of child labor. The boycott was organized by US retail industry group American Apparel and Footwear Association. Tim Newman, campaign director at New York-based lobby group International Labor Rights Forum, said he has seen reports that children as young as 13 were being mobilised to pick this year’s crop. “There are estimates that it affects up to two million children during the harvest season,” he said. While child labour is a problem in agriculture in many developing countries, in Uzbekistan it is organised and sponsored by the state.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/uzbekistan/8771473/Global-clothing-brands-boycott-Uzbek-cotton.html