Legal Definitions - slavery

Slavery refers to the unlawful condition where one person is treated as the property of another, completely deprived of their freedom, and compelled to perform labor or services without pay, often under threat of violence or coercion. This state involves one individual or group exercising absolute power over the life, fortune, and liberty of another, forcing them into a condition of bondage or servitude. While slavery was historically legal in many parts of the world, including the United States (where it was abolished by the 13th Amendment), it is now universally condemned and illegal under international and domestic law. Despite its illegality, modern forms of slavery, often referred to as human trafficking, continue to exist globally.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of slavery:

• Scenario: Debt Bondage in a Remote Brick Kiln
  A family in a rural village, facing extreme poverty, accepts an offer of work at a distant brick kiln. They are given a small advance payment, which is immediately declared a "debt" for their transportation and initial living expenses. Upon arrival, their identification documents are confiscated, and they are forced to work grueling hours, seven days a week, for wages that are insufficient to cover their inflated living costs and the ever-growing "debt." They are forbidden from leaving the premises, constantly monitored, and threatened with violence against themselves or their children if they attempt to escape or complain.
  How this illustrates slavery: This scenario demonstrates slavery through debt bondage, where individuals are held captive by an insurmountable, fabricated debt. Their freedom is completely restricted, they are forced into labor, and their lives are controlled by the kiln owner, who exercises absolute power over their fortune and liberty, treating them as disposable assets rather than free individuals.
• Scenario: Forced Labor in a Hidden Textile Factory
  Young adults from a vulnerable community are lured with promises of well-paying jobs in a foreign country. Upon arrival, their passports are seized, and they are transported to a secluded textile factory. They are confined to the factory premises, forced to work excessively long shifts, often 16-18 hours a day, for little to no pay. Their movements are monitored, and they are subjected to threats of deportation, physical harm, or harm to their families back home if they resist or try to contact authorities. They are completely dependent on their captors for food and shelter, which are often substandard.
  How this illustrates slavery: This example clearly shows slavery as forced labor. The individuals are deprived of their liberty, their ability to leave, and their personal documents. They are compelled to work under duress, without fair compensation, and are under the complete control of the factory owners, who exert absolute power over their lives and freedom, effectively treating them as property.