Forced Labor Goes to the International Trade Commission: The Nekkanti Shrimp Case
NYU Stern Center for Business & Human Rights
The Nekkanti Shrimp case highlights the complex interplay between forced labor and international trade. It involves a dispute where workers claimed they were subjected to forced labor practices within the shrimp industry in India and Thailand. This led to a petition being filed at the International Trade Commission (ITC).
The case brought attention to the prevalent issues of forced labor in the global seafood supply chain. It challenged the notion that free trade inherently leads to improved working conditions, demonstrating the need for stronger labor protections in international trade agreements.
The ITC's decision in this case reverberated globally, underscoring the importance of enforcing labor standards in international trade. It served as a testament to the power of collective action and legal mechanisms in combating forced labor practices.