Romania is among the top five countries in the European Union at high risk of modern slavery, together with Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Bulgaria, according to the Modern Slave Index.

The five countries are key entry points in the region for migrants who are extremely vulnerable to exploitation, reports Independent.com.mt.

The presence of these vulnerable migrant populations leads to increasing slavery in several sectors in the region, such as agriculture, construction and services, according to the organization.

The index shows that Romania is the country where the situation of modern slavery has deteriorated the most worldwide. The country lost 56 places in the ranking compared to last year, reaching the 66th position, with the highest risk.

Italy has lost 16 positions, reaching the 133th place. The country has taken over 85% of the 100,000 migrants arriving by sea so far.

The countries with the highest risk of modern slavery in the world are North Korea, Syria, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Iran, Libya, Eritrea and Turkmenistan.

editor@romania-insider.com