On 21 November 2024, EMN Belgium went to the offices of DEI Belgium, the Belgian section of Defence for Children International, which merged with ECPAT Belgium in June 2024 to promote children's rights and, inter alia, protect children from sexual exploitation.

EMN Belgium was, amongst other things, able to learn more about a current project, planned from January 2023 to January 2026, aimed at better equipping reception centre professionals to prevent, respond to, and follow up if they witness violence against children. As part of this project, analysis tools are developed to enable reception centres to take stock of the situation and improve their safety and the well-being of children and families. Professionals are also trained in security in reception centres, with particular attention to the prevention, response and monitoring of cases of violence against children and their families. The aim is to develop innovative solutions for greater security in centres, whilst taking into account the children's voice.

EMN Belgium was able to offer several tools to facilitate research and analysis, including ad hoc queries, and highlighted the networking and exchange opportunities offered by EMN Belgium, particularly during national events such as the policy event.

Thank you for this informative and fruitful meeting. EMN Belgium is eager to continue the exchange of information!