Modern day slavery is far worse than official figures suggest, according to new report
Experts believe modern day slavery and human trafficking is more common than official figures suggest
SLAVERY and human trafficking is far more widespread than official figures suggest, a report will reveal this week.
Experts believe the estimated 800,000 men, women and children bought and sold across borders every year and exploited for labour or sex is just the tip of the iceberg.
The number of identified victims of human trafficking could represent one per cent of the true figure, according to a think tank study.
Many are migrants seeking a better life who during their journey are coerced into misery by force, fraud or deception.
Official estimates suggest there are 20 to 30 million slaves in the modern world.
Eight out of ten people trafficked every year are female and half are children.
The number of registered refugees has reached a record high, with an estimated 25.9 million asylum-seekers in mid-2017, including 5.3 million Palestinians, says the Legatum Institute report.
But registered refugees represent only a fraction of all migrants who are vulnerable or driven by necessity, it says.
Most migrant journeys are to neighbouring poorer countries within the region of origin.
Legatum Institute boss Baroness Stroud, who wrote the report, said: “Economic migration, the refugee crisis and trafficking are complex and interconnected global issues.
“All people should have the opportunity to build pathways from poverty to prosperity, regardless of whether they feature in a migration, refugee or trafficking statistic.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
“Britain is and always has been a generous and open-minded towards refugees. However, we are currently struggling to see this issue with clarity, and to respond with compassion.
“By its very nature, this is an international challenge, with no single, simple solution.
“It is therefore imperative that we work together to identify the key trends and to debate and shape an effective policy response.”
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]