Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing issue of forced labor in illegal brick factories across multiple provinces in China, emphasizing the efforts of an activist, Shang Guanzheng, who has reported 27 such factories and rescued over 200 disabled workers since June 2023 [2][4][9]. Group 1: Forced Labor and Rescue Efforts - Shang Guanzheng has been actively reporting illegal brick factories, rescuing over 200 disabled workers from harsh working conditions [2][9]. - The working environment for these rescued individuals is described as extremely poor, with many suffering from malnutrition and physical deformities due to excessive labor without proper compensation [10][11][15]. - The phenomenon of forced labor among disabled individuals is not new, with some workers missing for decades, indicating a systemic issue that persists despite previous legal actions against similar practices [4][8][10]. Group 2: Criminal Networks and Business Models - The article discusses the existence of family-based criminal networks that exploit disabled individuals for labor, often using online platforms to facilitate these transactions [24][30]. - Brick factory owners and local labor contractors are often aware of the exploitation but choose to overlook it due to the low cost and high productivity of disabled workers [26][27]. - The labor conditions are so severe that local authorities and factory owners may turn a blind eye, as the financial benefits outweigh the moral implications [39][40]. Group 3: Challenges in Law Enforcement - Despite reports and evidence, law enforcement often struggles to act effectively, with many perpetrators fleeing before authorities arrive [33][34]. - The article raises concerns about the adequacy of existing laws, particularly the lack of legal provisions addressing the trafficking of adult males, which hampers efforts to combat forced labor comprehensively [50]. - There is a call for more robust legal frameworks to address the exploitation of disabled individuals and to ensure that law enforcement agencies take these issues seriously [50].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing issue of forced labor in brick factories across various provinces in China, emphasizing the efforts of an activist, Shang Guanzheng, who has exposed numerous cases and rescued over 200 disabled workers since June 2023 [1][2][5]. Group 1: Forced Labor and Activism - Shang Guanzheng has reported 27 illegal brick factories, rescuing more than 200 disabled workers, revealing a persistent problem despite past scandals like the 2007 Shanxi brick kiln case [2][5]. - The working conditions for rescued workers are described as horrific, with many suffering from severe physical deformities due to years of forced labor without proper care [6][8]. - The article discusses the existence of a gray market for labor, where disabled individuals are exploited, often through family networks and online platforms [18][19]. Group 2: Working Conditions and Exploitation - Rescued workers typically exhibit extreme malnutrition and physical deformities, having worked under harsh conditions with inadequate food and no protective measures [6][7][8]. - The labor intensity is described as excessive, with workers often forced to work continuously without breaks, leading to severe health issues [8][12]. - The article notes that local authorities and factory owners are often aware of these practices but choose to ignore them due to the low cost of labor and the lack of complaints from the workers [15][22]. Group 3: Legal and Social Implications - There is a call for legal reforms to include the trafficking of adult males in the criminal code, similar to protections currently in place for women and children [28]. - The article raises concerns about the effectiveness of local law enforcement in addressing these issues, as many workers are hidden or moved before authorities can intervene [19][20]. - The need for better support systems for rescued workers, including financial compensation and legal assistance, is emphasized to ensure their reintegration into society [23].