Particularly exposed to forced labour and exploitation are foreign workers, who are frequently caught in mechanisms of exploitation and dependence because of debts, the Government Communication Office (UKOM) said on the occasion.

The victims are forced to work, which undermines their freedom and dignity, UKOM said, adding that in many cases employers abuse social vulnerability of workers to make them submissive.

There is an increasing number of cases of abuse of workers' rights in public institutions, especially in cleaning and security services, which are often outsourced.

According to Sandi Čurin, the national coordinator for the fight against human trafficking, such cases can contain elements of the criminal act of trafficking in human beings.

Detecting and proving this form of trafficking in human beings is a demanding task, which is why preventive both supply and demand is very important, he added.

The government has thus launched a special project which raises awareness among decision-makers in the public sector about frequent abuses of workers' rights related to outsourcing services.

Public servants are also encouraged to be responsible in detecting and recognising exploitation, forced labour or even human trafficking.

The inter-governmental task force headed by Čurin last year conducted an awareness-raising campaign in companies about hiring sub-contractors and employing people through temping agencies, including by means of an on-line manual.

Another project marking EU Anti-Trafficking Day is being carried out by NGO Iz principa.

The NGO will open an escape room in Ljubljana to raise awareness among potential victims of exploitation and forced labour.

To escape from the room, which will be on display between 18 and 27 October, visitors will need to resolve various situations simulating exploitation labour.

Meanwhile, anti-trafficking activities have been carried out since 2006 by the Slovenian Caritas, which has been co-funding programmes carried out by government ministries.

According to its secretary general Imre Jerebic, the charity also organises preventive workshops for primary and secondary school students and the wider public.

Jerebic noted that refugees and migrants, especially children, were among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to human trafficking. Their vulnerability is pronounced with the lack of safe and legal migration routes, he added.