While many governments fail to effectively curb human trafficking, the Uzbek government organizes, orchestrates and benefits from forced labor on a massive scale. The State Department’s decision to downgrade Uzbekistan to Tier 3 is well-justified and an important step in international efforts to persuade the government in Tashkent to change its practices. While these efforts have had some effect, more pressure is still needed. At a minimum, Tashkent must invite a high-level International Labour Organization tripartite observer mission to monitor this fall’s harvest...If Tashkent fails to invite the ILO prior to the fall harvest, the State Department should examine options for applying sanctions available under the TVPA for Tier 3 countries...In light of increased participation of private-sector employees who are Uzbek nationals in the state-sponsored forced labor system in recent years, we urge U.S. officials to stress to American companies operating in Uzbekistan the importance of fulfilling their due diligence requirements with respect to human rights. [Industry signatories include: Aeropostale, American Apparel and Footwear Association, Aquinas Associates, Boston Common Asset Management, Calvert, Eileen Fisher, Fifth & Pacific, National Retail Federation, Pax World Mutual Funds, Retail Industry Leaders Association, US Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel, Walden Asset Management]