E/C.12/UZB/CO/2 (c) Finalize the establishment of wage scales in accordance with the principle of equal pay for work of equal value and ensure their implementation in all sectors of employment; (d) Expedite the adoption of the 2008 draft act on remuneration at work, containing the definition of the minimum wage in accordance with the provisions of article 7 of the Covenant, and provide, in its next periodic report, information on the coverage of the minimum wage, its enforcement mechanisms and their effectiveness. Poverty 14. The Committee is concerned that, despite annual increases to wages, pensions and social benefits, substantial numbers of Uzbekistan’s population live below the poverty line, especially in rural areas. It is also concerned about reported pension cuts imposed on working pensioners. It regrets the absence of information on the extent of poverty, disaggregated by sex, age and district, and on the extent to which the revised amounts of wages, pensions, unemployment benefits and social assistance enable an adequate standard of living. It notes the lack of information on the eligibility requirements for social security schemes, the percentage of the population covered and the assistance and services available to those not covered thereunder (arts. 9 and 11). The Committee urges the State party to establish a set of reliable indicators to assess the extent of poverty in the country, including food and non-food consumption. Efforts should be strengthened to set pensions, unemployment benefits and other social assistance schemes at a level sufficient to ensure an adequate standard of living for the beneficiaries and their families. Pensions should be paid in full to working pensioners. The Committee recommends that social assistance benefits be calculated based on an accurate poverty assessment and that clear and transparent eligibility requirements be established for social security schemes. It refers the State party to its general comments No. 6 (1995) on the economic, social and cultural rights of older persons and No. 19 (2007) on the right to social security. The Committee invites the State party to report on the measures taken and their impact in its next periodic report. Labour migration 15. The Committee is concerned about the reports that, despite the efforts undertaken to combat human trafficking, substantial numbers of the population of Uzbekistan, especially women and young persons, work abroad in hazardous conditions, including with insufficient remuneration and rest and the lack of social protection, health care and adequate housing (arts. 7 and 9–11). The Committee urges the State party to: (a) Assess the root causes and extent of labour migration from Uzbekistan, including by conducting a nationwide survey, with a view to taking effective measures to address the phenomenon, such as the development of decent employment opportunities within the State party; (b) Strengthen the role of the External Labour Migration Agency, under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, in providing information Uzbek citizens prior to their departure, as well as the role of bilateral agreements and consulates in protecting the rights of migrant workers in host countries; (c) Ensure the reintegration of Uzbek migrant returnees, particularly by providing employment opportunities and including the period of work abroad in the period qualifying for the retirement pension. 6