Bonded labor, also known as debt bondage, refers to a system of labor in which individuals are compelled to work to repay a debt. It involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, primarily those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who become trapped in a perpetual cycle of labor due to their inability to repay a debt.
In bonded labor, the initial debt is often obtained through various means, including loans with exorbitant interest rates, advances on wages, or fraudulent recruitment schemes. Once indebted, workers are forced into labor under oppressive and exploitative conditions, often with little or no pay. They are subjected to physical and psychological abuse, restricted freedom of movement, and deplorable living conditions.
The key element that distinguishes bonded labor from other forms of labor exploitation is the impossibility for the worker to escape, as the debt keeps increasing due to interest, fines, or penalties. This practice predominantly affects vulnerable groups, such as migrant workers, women, children, and marginalized communities, who lack access to legal protections and resources.
Recognized as a severe violation of human rights, bonded labor is considered illegal in most jurisdictions around the world. International and national laws, as well as conventions such as the International Labour Organization's Forced Labour Convention, aim to combat and eradicate this form of labor exploitation. Governments, NGOs, and activists work together to raise awareness, enforce existing laws, and provide support to victims, with the ultimate goal of eliminating bonded labor and helping individuals break free from its chains.
