Bonded Labour

Bonded Labor is a form of modern-day slavery in which individuals become trapped in debt bondage, unable to escape their situation due to the high interest rates and exploitative working conditions imposed by their employers. This practice is often prevalent in industries such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Bonded labor deprives individuals of their freedom and basic human rights, subjecting them to physical and emotional abuse, and often leading to long-term health problems.

The intersection of bonded labor and human trafficking is significant, as individuals may be lured into bonded labor through false promises of employment or better opportunities. In many cases, traffickers use the threat of violence or coercion to trap individuals in bonded labor, keeping them in a perpetual cycle of debt and exploitation. Bonded labor can also be a contributing factor to human trafficking as individuals may be forced to migrate to other areas or countries to find work, placing them at risk of further exploitation.

Addressing bonded labor requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, including stronger legal frameworks, more effective enforcement mechanisms, and increased protection and support for victims. This includes measures to prevent bonded labor from occurring in the first place, as well as support for victims to escape and recover from their experiences. Furthermore, efforts to address bonded labor must be integrated into broader strategies to combat human trafficking and forced labor, recognizing the close connections between these issues and the need for coordinated action to address them effectively.