More children in India and Nepal are likely to be forced into labour, according to a study GoodWeave International. The study Hidden and Vulnerable: The Impact of COVID 19 on Child, Forced and Bonded Labor was carried out by this non-profit organisation in the apparel, home textile and carpet supply chains in the two countries. A report based on the study has documented loss of income leading to indebtedness. The study noted that the situation has led to migration and closure of schools.
The report has expressed fears that the situation could lead to increase in child labour as well as forced and bonded labour conditions. The research was carried out in June and July 2020 and found that women were more severely impacted by the pandemic, than men.