Modern Slavery in the Heart of Europe

At Brussels' “Arts-Loi Metro” station, Mohammed, a Moroccan immigrant without regular residence documents, has been working for months for his renovation and it was not easy.

“called us when the work became unaffordable for others”, he tells about “Euronews”.

I once worked three consecutive eight-hour shifts, which means 24 hours without a break. There is always the danger of being fired, which means that you have to keep working hard. We live in fear. Fear is part of our daily life”, he confesss.

The Council of Europe's latest report shows that trafficking of human beings with the aim of exploiting the workforce is on the rise and victims are often undocumented immigrants, or vulnerable groups living in economic uncertainty.

What looks like a good job opportunity can turn into a real hell, according to “Euronews”.

Victims often depend on traffickers not only on finding a job but also on housing. They are employed at a wide range of services, starting with food production, restaurants, personal care, or even construction sites.

Though threats are not lacking, they generally avoid denouncing in fear of deportation or revenge. Activists say that many European countries must do more to combat this phenomenon, better co-ordinate the work of nongovernmental organisations, trade unions and the private sector in order to help end abuses.