The event was opened by Kristel Verbeke, Chair of the KRC’s advisory and consultative body, and Freya Van den Bossche, Speaker of the Flemish Parliament.

The Commissioner Caroline Vrijens highlighted a continued rise in complaints and reports from individuals, with almost half relating to education. Structural challenges identified include children without access to appropriate education ("thuiszitters"), the ongoing housing crisis affecting an estimated 6.000 children living in precarious conditions in Flanders, and lengthy waiting times in youth services, which in some cases lead to children being temporarily placed in hospital care. These issues reflect broader systemic gaps that hinder children’s ability to fully exercise their rights and access the support they need.

Focusing on children and young people in international protection procedures residing in reception centres, the Flemish Children’s Rights Commissioner highlighted significant disparities in living conditions and the quality of care provided. Reports point to insufficient compliance with minimum standards for safety, hygiene, and access to essential needs. The report calls for structural and financial strengthening of the reception network, greater attention to the specific well-being of children and young people, and more robust external monitoring mechanisms. It also stresses the importance of increased involvement by local authorities to ensure that standards are consistently met.

The event concluded with a musical performance by the artist Serbdie, followed by a discussion with Kristel Verbeke, and closing remarks by Melissa Depraetere, Flemish Minister for Housing, Energy and Climate, Tourism, and Youth.

For more information (in Dutch) on the report presentation and to access the full report, please visit this page.