Modern slavery is rising in the European Union

The risk of modern slavery is rising in 20 member states of the European Union, according to a new global ranking released yesterday.

The Modern Slavery Index 2017, compiled by risk analytics company Verisk Maplecroft, pinpointed five EU countries -- Romania, Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Bulgaria -- as posing the highest risk.

It identified these countries as key entry points for migrants who are extremely vulnerable to exploitation.

Defining modern slavery as an "umbrella term for slavery, servitude, trafficking in persons and forced or compulsory labor," the index measures the strength of laws, the effectiveness of law enforcement and the severity of violations in 198 countries. The report found 60% of countries ranked in the "high" or "extreme risk" category.

UCJ, UNILORIN.