UN expert group calls out systematic racism by Belgian police
A United Nations expert group has called out the Belgian police for what it describes as systemic racism against people of African descent. Following a ten-day visit to the country, the group urged Belgian authorities to take immediate action, warning that discrimination by law enforcement is seriously eroding public trust.
According to the experts, individuals of African descent in Belgium are disproportionately subjected to police checks and are more frequently victims of police violence. This violence sometimes even affects children, particularly boys with a migrant background, who are often perceived and treated by police as adults.
“These incidents clearly illustrate the existence of systemic racism targeting the African community in Belgium,” said Victor Rodriguez, one of the UN experts. “This has a significant impact on the community’s trust in law enforcement institutions.”
The experts also raised concerns about a lack of connection between police officers and the communities they serve. They noted that many officers working in Brussels come from small towns and are unfamiliar with the Belgian capital's local communities. This disconnect contributes to further alienation and mistrust.
Rebuild trust
To address the issue, the UN group recommends that police officers receive more training on the experiences and challenges faced by people of African descent. They also called for more dialogue between officers and local communities, and greater representation of people of African descent within the police force to help rebuild trust.
Additionally, the experts urged Belgian authorities to introduce the mandatory and systematic use of bodycams by police officers to improve accountability in cases of alleged violence. They emphasised that such measures would not only protect citizens but also safeguard officers.
While critical of current policing practices, the UN group acknowledged the difficult and often stressful conditions in which law enforcement operates. They called for better mental health support and resources for police officers to cope with the pressures of the job.
© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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