United Nations experts find systemic racism in Belgium police force
UN investigators call for urgent reforms after report reveals widespread discrimination and violence within Belgian law enforcement
A report released by United Nations experts has revealed deeply rooted systemic racism within Belgium’s police, following a comprehensive ten-day official visit to the country. The findings urge immediate action, highlighting major inequalities and persistent negative behaviors among law enforcement officers that disproportionately impact people of African descent, particularly during routine police checks. The experts described routine and widespread discrimination, emphasizing that these practices undermine fairness and trust in public institutions.
The UN report also points to ongoing police violence, with a significant impact on children, especially boys from immigrant families. Experts noted that these children are often treated as adults in police interventions, which can have long-term psychological effects and further isolate these communities. Such behaviors are exacerbating already fragile relationships between Belgium’s police and local communities, fueling mistrust, fear, and a lack of cooperation.
To address these systemic issues, the UN experts recommended several measures, including specialized education for police officers to better understand the lived experiences of African communities and a push for more inclusive representation within the police force. The report also urges Belgium’s government to enforce the use of body cameras for greater transparency and to expand mental health support for officers. These reforms are intended to increase accountability, boost public confidence, and pave the way toward safer, more equitable policing practices in Belgium.
