Amnesty International’s recent report lambasts Belgium for its treatment of asylum seekers, accusing it of deliberately orchestrating a human rights crisis. Thousands are deprived of shelter, healthcare, and basic dignity, often left to sleep on the streets. The report highlights how this chronic neglect breaches international laws and undermines democratic principles, particularly flagging the plight of racialised single men who are most affected by the state’s inaction.
The findings underline that this situation has persisted since October 2021, with Belgium ignoring over 12,000 court orders to provide housing for those in need. Amnesty’s Director for Belgium, Carine Thibaut, noted, “This is the first time we have published a report that says there is a systematic violation of human rights in Belgium,” emphasising the stark reality facing asylum seekers in the country.
Amnesty argues that the so-called “reception crisis” is a manufactured calamity rather than one caused by lack of resources. Following the suspension of shelter for single men in 2023, many are left dangling in uncertainty, unable to work or seek medical care while their asylum applications linger.
Despite legal rulings condemning the government’s failure to act, Belgium has remained resistant, even incurring penalties without paying them. Meanwhile, the Council of Europe openly condemned the government’s actions as a blatant disregard for the rule of law. As Thibaut warns, “Imagine if people were denied their pensions… but the government refused to respect the rulings. We should be afraid.”
Legal experts stress that this troubling trend threatens not only asylum seekers but could eventually undermine rights across various domains of law in Belgium. Experts urge continued resistance, stating that halting the fight against this injustice could have broader implications for human rights across the board.
Belgium did exhibit the capability to address these issues; when faced with the inflow of over 91,000 Ukrainians in 2022, it swiftly developed temporary housing solutions. Critics argue the failure to provide adequate reception for asylum seekers is a political choice rather than a logistical one.
The current federal government is set on tightening immigration policies rather than remedying the existing crisis. Amnesty fears this will exacerbate the situation, as the goal appears focused on reducing asylum applications rather than addressing homelessness among vulnerable populations.
Amnesty’s urgent demands include resuming shelter access for all asylum seekers, abolishing fixed address requirements, ensuring medical care is available, and fulfilling court mandates. They also urge the EU to take action against Belgium for non-compliance with its legal obligations.
This unfolding crisis not only deepens humanitarian concerns but also tarnishes Europe’s reputation on human rights issues. Amnesty warns that Belgium’s approach could signal broader risks for EU migration policy, especially given the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which seeks to enhance border control.
Belgium’s refusal to heed legal directives raises the alarming prospect of other EU countries adopting similar hardline stances, should Belgium suffer no significant repercussions. This trend threatens to undermine the framework for asylum rights across Europe, displacing responsibilities and eroding the collective commitment to human rights.
Therefore, Belgium stands at a pivotal moment. Its disregard for the rights of asylum seekers not only signals a humanitarian disaster but a potential threat to the legal foundations of democracy. Urgent intervention is essential; without it, Belgium risks normalising neglect and legal defiance, challenging the very essence of democratic governance.
Amnesty International’s report criticises Belgium for failing to provide adequate shelter and rights for asylum seekers, particularly racialised single men. The government has ignored over 12,000 court rulings, and this manufactured crisis leads to severe human rights violations. Legal experts warn that such neglect poses risks beyond asylum seekers, and there is pressing need for immediate action from both the Belgium government and the EU to uphold human rights obligations.
Belgium’s treatment of asylum seekers, as detailed in Amnesty International’s report, highlights a troubling systemic failure in human rights that has been allowed to fester. The country has ignored thousands of court orders that demand basic services be provided, emphasising a political choice to neglect vulnerable populations. As pressure mounts, both domestically and in the broader EU context, urgent reforms and compliance with international law are crucial if democratic and humanitarian values are to be preserved. The forthcoming era calls for accountability and decisive action to prevent a deepening crisis.
Original Source: etias.com
