A/HRC/18/2
236. Belgium had also accepted to circulate and implement the Bangkok rules in the
framework of its reform of the judicial system (recommendation 102.13).
237. With regard to the renewal of its plan of action against the sexual exploitation of
children for commercial purposes (recommendation 102.8), Belgium reiterated that this
issue was linked to trafficking of human beings as well as sexual tourism. A plan of action
against trafficking of human beings focusing on minor victims had been adopted in 2008. A
working group on minors travelling alone had also been established in the Asylum and
Migration Department. The Belgian authorities therefore considered that the adoption of a
specific plan of action on that subject could present a risk of overlapping with the latter
mechanisms, and therefore did not support this recommendation.
238. With regard to issues relating to minorities (recommendations 102.4 and 11),
Belgium had made a reservation to the concept of “national minority” upon signing the
framework convention for the protection of minorities. Meanwhile, a working group had
been convened but until today no agreement had been reached on a definition.
239. Belgium had voluntarily pledged to submit a midterm report to the Human Rights
Council in 2013, to provide an overview of progress made.
240. The delegate also referred to the closing remarks made by the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, on 2 June 2011, regarding the continuous efforts made by the authorities to work
closely with civil society on the implementation of universal periodic review
recommendations, as testified by the meeting held with non-governmental organizations on
21 June 2011.
2.
Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the
review outcome
241. Algeria noted with satisfaction that Belgium had accepted many recommendations,
and had accepted two of its own. Considering that the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families had set up
the most extensive international framework for the protection of this group, Algeria
recommended that Belgium should adhere to it. It hoped that Belgium would reconsider its
rejection of that recommendation, taking into account recommendation 1737 of 17 March
2006 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
242. Belarus hoped that Belgium would successfully implement all accepted
recommendations and improve its measures aimed at combating trafficking in persons. It
regretted that some recommendations had not been accepted, such as those relating to the
elimination of discrimination against migrant workers, the excessive use of force by the
police during mass events and the deportation of foreigners. Belarus also regretted the fact
that Belgium had rejected a recommendation to prevent acts of xenophobia and racial
intolerance. It called on Belgium to take measures to prevent discrimination against ethnic
and racial minorities and to introduce a law prohibiting organizations and political parties
from propagating hatred and racial discrimination.
243. Morocco noted with satisfaction the existence of a mechanism to follow up on
forced deportation and assistance to asylum seekers, and the actions taken to combat
racism, in particular by the Centre for Equal Opportunities. Morocco regarded as best
practices the National Commission on the Rights of the Child and the measures taken to
promote equal opportunity and to combat domestic violence. Morocco appreciated the
measures taken by Belgium to protect migrants and freedom of religion. It praised the
efforts made by Belgium to improve human rights education. Morocco hoped that Belgium
would consider implementing the recommendations it had made on human rights education
and training for public officials.
GE.12-17756
113
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents