Experts seek more action over modern-day slavery

Greek lawmakers were presented with evidence that modern-day slavery is being practiced in the country today and were urged by experts to accelerate action to investigate the phenomenon during the presentation of a report earlier this week to a parliamentary committee on human rights and exploitation.

According to data from the Hellenic Police (ELAS) presented by Citizens' Protection Ministry secretary general Konstantinos Tsouvalas, officers last year investigated 26 cases of slavery involving 47 victims, of which 20 were minors.

While this marked an improvement from previous years and shows a steady decline in the number of victims - which came to 31 in 2018, 38 in 2017, 46 in 2016, 50 in 2015, 64 in 2014, 99 in 2013, 94 in 2012, 97 in 2011 and 92 in 2010 - experts said the phenomenon cannot be played down.

"What is needed here is cooperation with local...