Forced Labour

During World War II, Nazi Germany employed extensive forced labor to support its war economy. Millions of civilians from occupied territories, including Poles, Soviet citizens, and others, were deported and compelled to work in factories, mines, and agriculture under harsh conditions. Many were also imprisoned in labor camps, often under SS control, where abuse, malnutrition, and high mortality rates were common. Forced laborers included both men and women, as well as children. The use of forced labor was a key component of Nazi exploitation policies and is recognized as a major war crime under international law.