Belgium

UNHCR has maintained a presence in Belgium since 1952, just one year after the 1951 Refugee Convention came into force. As a multi-country office based in Brussels, UNHCR covers operations in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland, working to ensure that laws, policies, and practices align with international protection standards across all three countries.

In Belgium, UNHCR collaborates closely with authorities and civil society actors supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons. This includes legal and policy advice, technical support, and awareness campaigns aimed at fostering public solidarity and understanding of refugee issues. In 2021, Belgium received 25,971 asylum applications – primarily from nationals of Afghanistan, Syria, and Palestine – with over 10,000 individuals granted refugee or subsidiary protection status.

In 2024, the national political landscape shifted significantly following elections that brought to power parties with stricter asylum and migration agendas. Delays in government formation and increasingly negative rhetoric resulted in reduced investment in reception systems, with growing numbers of asylum-seekers left without adequate shelter or access to basic services. These challenges were compounded by a high-profile embezzlement scandal involving Caritas, affecting service continuity and civil society trust.

The adoption of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum further influenced Belgium’s approach to asylum, requiring reforms to harmonize procedures while safeguarding protection standards. UNHCR continues to engage with Belgian institutions, civil society, and EU actors to promote fair, efficient, and rights-based asylum systems. At the same time, shifts in EU development funding away from fragile contexts raise broader concerns about the root causes of displacement and sustainable solutions.