It's five past twelve: reception crisis gets out of hand

Since last winter, up to hundreds of people have been sleeping in the streets around the Klein Kasteeltje registration centre. They include children, unaccompanied minors and families. The reason? The outflow is stagnant because decisions on whether or not to grant asylum take far too long. More than 13 000 people are waiting for an answer.

The government does not provide any emergency aid and asylum seekers can only turn to humanitarian organisations that provide initial assistance. The situation continues to deteriorate. We demand urgent emergency solutions. We advocate hotel accommodation in anticipation of emergency shelter and ask for the federal disaster phase to be declared. That way, the Minister of the Interior can requisition both personnel and buildings.

"The shelter crisis is a humanitarian crisis and must be tackled with the help of everyone, not with political games and unwillingness. Because of this mindset, the rights of asylum seekers are violated every day, without consequences or resistance. This is extremely problematic.”

That is why we are raising the alarm. Take part in Refugee Walk 2022 and help us put an end to this reception crisis.  On Sunday 25 September 2022, come walk a symbolic route of 10, 20 or 40 km together with the rest of Flanders, show your solidarity, mobilise your network and help us raise money for refugees. The more money we can raise together, the better we can do for people fleeing their country.

With the proceeds of this event, we can continue to put pressure on the policy with our expertise on asylum and migration, get people moving, campaign, give asylum seekers a first welcome, answer legal questions, provide extensive training and much more.

"By keeping our finger on the pulse, we realise that Belgium still has a long way to go. The government is not only negligent, but also merciless when it comes to human rights."