In a new report titled ‘Unhoused and Unheard: How Belgium’s persistent failure to provide reception violates asylum seekers’ rights’, Amnesty International highlights that national and international courts have ordered the authorities in Belgium to provide reception more than 12.000 times, yet Belgium has failed to fully comply with the judgments, despite these being final and legally binding.

Amnesty International stresses that over 2.500 people are currently on the reception waiting list and that those who are denied accommodation often end up homeless, living on the streets and in squats, and facing numerous barriers to accessing healthcare. The organisation also notes that the lack of reception profoundly impacts people’s future prospects in Belgium, limiting their access to the labour market or education.

Amnesty International expresses concerns that the new government's plans could further exacerbate the situation for people seeking asylum, emphasising that “Belgium’s failure to provide reception is not due to a lack of resources but a lack of political will”.

The report is presented as a wake-up call for the Belgian government and the EU. Amnesty International calls on the Belgian government to urgently provide sufficient reception places and ensure adequate housing, healthcare, and psychological support for all asylum seekers. The organisation also calls for support to civil society organisations assisting asylum seekers. At the EU level, Amnesty further stresses that the European Commission must ensure Belgium complies with the Reception Conditions Directive and, if necessary, initiate infringement procedures to uphold fundamental human rights.

For further details, please read the press release from Amnesty International or read the report attached below.