Bonded labor, also known as debt bondage, remains a widespread form of modern slavery in parts of Asia, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh. It typically occurs when individuals are forced to work to repay a debt under exploitative conditions, often with little or no wages and no clear end to their obligation. Entire families, including children, can be trapped in cycles of debt for generations, working in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and mining. Despite legal bans in many countries, weak enforcement and poverty continue to fuel this human rights violation. Cultural Survival spoke to Urmila Chaudhary (Tharu) to find out more.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Music: "Remember your children", by Saladumay, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.
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