Definition of forced labour

The term "forced labor" can be traced back to the 19th century when it was used to describe the practice of requiring prisoners or individuals in certain circumstances, such as debtors or vagrants, to work without pay or under threat of punishment. This practice was called "forced labor" because it was enforced by law rather than voluntary or chosen by the individuals themselves. The term gained prominence during the civil rights movement of the 20th century as a way to condemn and oppose the use of forced labor, primarily in Jim Crow-era Mississippi, where black prisoners were often leased out to private businesses for profit. The use of forced labor continues to be a serious human rights issue in many parts of the world, with an estimated 21 million people being subjected to it in 2016, according to the International Labor Organization. The term "forced labor" is therefore a politically charged term that refers to the exploitation of people's labor for financial or other secondary gain, and is considered a violation of human rights.