Around 1,500 people from 35 etraps across Turkmenistan took part in an awareness-raising campaign organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to prevent child labour and forced labour. The events took place in the run-up to the cotton-picking season, which runs from 12 June to 12 August 2026, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan.

The campaign was implemented by the ILO in collaboration with national stakeholders, with financial support from the European Union (EU). It comprised 15 events, including a capacity-building seminar, 13 information sessions in the velayats and etraps, and a closing meeting.

The events took place in Tejen, Gokdepe, Ak-Bugday, Kerki, Sayat, Turkmenabat, Mary, Yoloten, Bayramali, Dashoguz, Akdepe, Kunya-Urgench and Gyzylarbat. They were attended by representatives of government bodies, ministries, educational and medical institutions, farmers’ associations, employers’ organisations and workers’ unions.

Participants discussed legislation on child labour and forced labour, including the ban on the use of children in the annual cotton harvest. Government measures to prevent forced labour in the cotton sector were also examined.

‘Raising awareness is a practical tool for prevention,’ noted Oxana Lipcanu, ILO project manager in Turkmenistan.

The events were held as part of the EU-funded ILO project for 2026–2027, which aims to promote decent work and prevent child and forced labour, particularly in Turkmenistan’s cotton sector.