Abuse and Exploitation of Cotton and Wheat Farmers in Uzbekistan
The 85-page report, “Farmers Have no Freedom: Abuse and Exploitation of Cotton and Wheat Farmers in Uzbekistan,” documents abusive conditions under which these farmers work, including mandatory quotas for crops on land they lease from the government, to be sold at centralized set prices, enforced through penalties for not meeting the quotas, even though required yields may not be achievable. Authorities use threats and violence against farmers who do not meet the quotas, and penalties may include seizing the land. Farmers face non- or late payments by cotton-textile and wheat companies, while authorities have failed to enforce court orders compelling the companies to pay.
In April 1994, tens of thousands of workers took to the streets in Medan, Indonesia, demanding higher wages, improved benefits and freedom of association. Notable for their size and anti-Chinese violence, the protests underscored the Indonesian government's urgent need to address worker's rights issues.
Even as the Indonesian government repealed a controversial decree and stated it's concern for the welfare of workers, we continued to receive reports of labor rights violations. These violations include the harassment of union members and reports of bonded labor in Irian Jaya.
Citing violations of core political rights in Mexico — freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, and the right to vote — this report calls for the Clinton administration to address these and other human rights issues as it engages the Mexican government in trade negotiations.
Labor Rights and Freedom of Expression in South Korea
Despite the South Korean government’s June 1987 promise of reforms, there is a wide disparity between the rhetoric of democracy achieved and the reality of the retreat from reform. The government of President Roh Tae-Woo has failed to deliver on promises of reform in two key areas: worker rights and freedom of expression.
