What is defined as forced labor?

Forced labor is best defined as employment under duress, which involves individuals being compelled to work against their will through various forms of coercion, such as threats, intimidation, or actual harm. This definition aligns with legal and human rights standards, which emphasize that any work completed under coercive circumstances does not reflect a voluntary agreement between employer and employee.

The other options, while related to employment and working conditions, do not capture the essence of forced labor. Offering services for payment indicates a standard employment scenario where both parties agree to the terms freely. Any harm arising from labor, although serious, does not specifically address the lack of voluntary consent that characterizes forced labor. Working under favorable conditions contradicts the principle of forced labor, where there is no element of voluntary choice or favorable engagement, showing that the context surrounding this term is about exploitation and lack of freedom.