Debt Bondage

Debt Bondage, also known as debt slavery or bonded labor, is a form of modern-day slavery in which individuals are forced to work to repay a debt. It is a practice where people are trapped in a cycle of debt that they cannot escape from, often due to exploitative lending practices or unfair labor conditions.

Debt bondage typically occurs when a person borrows money or takes a loan, often under coercive or fraudulent circumstances, and becomes indebted to a creditor. The terms of the loan are often designed in such a way that the debtor is unable to repay the principal amount, leading to a situation where they are forced to work for the creditor to repay the debt.

These individuals are often subjected to harsh working conditions, long hours, and meager wages. Their freedom and basic human rights may be severely restricted, and they may be physically or emotionally abused. The debt bondage system is often intergenerational, meaning that the debt is passed on from one generation to the next, creating a cycle of exploitation and poverty.

Debt bondage is considered a violation of human rights and is illegal in most countries. However, it persists in various forms and industries, such as agriculture, construction, textile production, and domestic work, particularly in regions with weak labor laws and enforcement mechanisms. Efforts by international organizations, governments, and civil society groups are underway to combat and eradicate debt bondage and protect the rights of those affected by it.