The Federal Institute for Human Rights launches an investigation into the non-implementation of court decisions in Belgium
The Federal Institute for Human Rights launched an investigation into "the growing tendency of Belgian authorities not to implement court decisions that condemn them", inter alia regarding the reception of applicants for international protection. The report following the investigation will be sent to the Chamber of Representatives.
On 18 November 2024, the Federal Institute for Human Rights launched an investigation to review decisions made by Belgian courts against the authorities from 2014 to 2024, which were not implemented by the Belgian authorities.
According to the Institute, non-compliance with court decisions affects many areas. Since January 2022, in the context of the reception crisis, nearly 10.000 judgments in total have condemned the Belgian State and have not been implemented. But the failure to comply with court decisions also affects prison overcrowding, noise pollution from Brussels National Airport, etc.
The Institute said the investigation intends to examine the extent of the problem and its impact, and possibly propose recommendations. Lawyers and civil society organisations will be consulted. The final report will be sent to the Chamber of Representatives.
For further details, please read the press release from the Federal Institute for Human Rights in French or in Dutch.