UNHCR calls for short and long-term solutions that safeguard the rights of asylum seekers in Belgium

BRUSSELS – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is deeply concerned that for a third consecutive winter, asylum seekers are sleeping on the streets of Brussels in very dire conditions.  

Over 2,500 asylum-seekers are currently awaiting integration into the Fedasil reception network. The distressing increase in waiting times to get access to reception, which has now risen from approximately three months at this time last year to an alarming seven, further exacerbates the plight and hardship faced by many. Sleeping outside for months has serious consequences for the mental and physical health of applicants for international protection and can compound situations of vulnerabilities even more. 

UNHCR reiterates that access to adequate reception conditions is fundamental for all asylum seekers, not only to uphold their fundamental human rights but also to safeguard effective access to international protection for those in need thereof. Failing to deliver comprehensive reception encompassing social, psychological and legal support, is indeed likely to compromise the fair and effective nature of the asylum procedure. Both the EU Reception Conditions Directive and the national legislation recall this crucial obligation. 

UNHCR calls for both short and long-term solutions that safeguard the rights of all asylum-seekers in Belgium, so that commitments taken at international, European and national level are translated into action. UNHCR underlines that the primary aim of any reception policy should be to ensure that all asylum seekers, including single men, receive a humane and rights-based treatment, which guarantees a life in dignity in all circumstances.  

In the midst of winter with freezing temperatures, UNHCR remains hopeful that Belgium will explore all avenues to provide reception to asylum seekers. This in turn will also alleviate the pressure on civil society actors that have provided vital support to asylum-seekers throughout the ongoing crisis. The speed and manner in which Belgium provided shelter for more than 75,000 refugees from Ukraine since the start of the invasion, shows the country’s capacity to identify solutions with a concerted effort by all actors at federal, community, regional and municipal level. 

Where there is a shared determination to safeguard the dignity and well-being of those fleeing conflict and persecution, there is undoubtedly a way to overcome the challenges.