Speech

52nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Belgium

Statement by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, at Belgium's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders
• Published: 7 May 2026

• Location: Geneva
• Delivered on: 6 May 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you Mr Vice President,

The UK welcomes Belgium’s efforts to strengthen its national human rights architecture, including the establishment of the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights.

We recommend: 

1.      Strengthening the independence and mandate of the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and setting out clear timelines to ensure compliance with the Paris Principles across all levels of government. 
 

2.      Establishing an effective National Prevention Mechanism, in line with the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, with unrestricted access to all places of deprivation of liberty. 
 

3.      Continuing to ensure that conditions in prisons and in detention comply with international human rights standards, including through access to appropriate healthcare and mental health support, and effective safeguards against inhuman or degrading treatment. 

Thank you.

Published 7 May 2026