On the occasion of International Migrants Day 2024, numerous events and press releases advocating for migrants’ rights were launched worldwide and in Belgium as well.

On this day, 26 civil society organisations campaigned in Brussels, particularly for access to work for undocumented people. Among other organisations, Amitié Sans Frontières, 11.11.11, Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen and Brussels Platform Armoede, pleaded for an urgent reform of the law so that undocumented people can legally enter the labour market.

On this day as well, 16 civil society organisations expressed their opposition to policies that undermine the fundamental rights of people on the move in the Mediterranean region, particularly the externalisation and militarisation of borders, and pleaded for the respect of the right to asylum.

The Ombudspersons for Children relayed the call from the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) to protect the rights of children on the move at EU borders, in the context of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The UNHCR representative called for all asylum seekers to benefit from adequate reception conditions in Belgium and questioned our common responsibility to protect the most vulnerable, whatever their origin, religion or skin colour.

If you want to read more about International Migrants Day, please visit this website from the United Nations.