Axiological Principles of the Fight Against Forced Labour in a Modern Democratic Society

The article examines the axiological principles underlying the fight against forced labour in a modern democratic society. Drawing on axiological, comparative, institutional and case-study methods, and on primary sources including International Labour Organization reports and presidential decrees of Uzbekistan, it argues that combating forced labour is not merely a legal or economic task but an ethical project grounded in human dignity, freedom of labour, social justice, shared responsibility and public trust. Uzbekistan's cotton sector reform is analysed as a case of values being translated into institutional practice. A five-principle axiological model is proposed, together with practical recommendations for education, monitoring and social protection.