Speech

38th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Belgium

The UK's International Human Rights Ambassador delivered the statement on Belgium at the 38th Session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), sharing recommendations to improve their human rights record.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Rita French
Published
5 May 2021
Location:
Geneva, Switzerland
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Rita French

The United Kingdom recognises Belgium’s commitment to protecting human rights. We welcome the announcement of a National Action Plan against racism and efforts to promote women’s rights.

We value Belgium’s endorsement of the UK’s Call to Action to End Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

We recommend Belgium:

  1. Establish and operationalise the Federal Human Rights Institute in accordance with Belgium’s intention for a high-performance institute that is fully compliant with the Paris Principles;

  2. Provide further training to first responders to identify victims of trafficking, particularly minors, and provide necessary financial and human resources to first-line actors, specialised shelters and the judiciary;

  3. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and take forward consultations to establish a National Preventative Mechanism.

Thank you.

Published 5 May 2021