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Good afternoon,
I am very pleased to intervene in this high-level panel.
The urgency for an effective asylum system, both within the borders of the EU and at its external frontiers, is undeniable. Such a system will enable us to demonstrate solidarity, both internally among member states and externally, beyond the Union. Belgium stands ready to take its role and responsibility during our presidency of the Council in the EU in 2024. It is one of our main priorities.
This year, Belgium celebrates the 10th anniversary of its structural resettlement program. By making efforts in the area of resettlement, Belgium ensures an integrated policy of international protection. On the one hand, protection can be offered to applicants for international protection who arrive in Belgium spontaneously. On the other hand, resettlement is a humanitarian tool to offer protection to vulnerable refugees in need.
In total, Belgium resettled more than 4.500 refugees between 2013 and 2023, mainly Syrian refugees living in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and Turkey; as well as Congolese refugees that were stuck in the Great Lakes region.
Next to resettlement, we need to explore different ways to ensure a safe passage for refugees to the EU. In Belgium, there are a number of ongoing projects. I would like to specifically highlight the Humanitarian Corridors.
Following the shipwreck in Lampedusa and the ongoing tragedies at sea, where thousands of individuals lose their lives in pursuit of a better life, the Community of Sant’Egidio initiated the Humanitarian Corridors program in February 2016. This initiative was initially launched in Italy and subsequently expanded to include Belgium and France. This model of receiving and integrating refugees is seen as an example in Europe. It allows refugees to come to Europe in a safe manner.
A first agreement was signed between the Belgian Government and Sant’Egidio in December 2017. It allowed 150 vulnerable Syrian refugees to arrive in Belgium. In December 2021, a new agreement was signed with the aim of facilitating the safe and legal entry of 250 refugees in vulnerable situations, primarily originating from Lebanon, Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan, to Belgium.
Our migration services play a significant role throughout the entire process. However, the actual selection, the transfer, and the post-arrival support are being managed by Sant’Egidio itself, in collaboration with communities of different religions.
Certainly, the selection of refugees is not influenced by their religious affiliations.
Even after the beneficiaries are granted international protection, they continue to receive support and guidance for a minimum of one year, with special focus on facilitating their integration process.
Next to the Belgian migration services, there is also close cooperation with the relevant international organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Last June (10/06), 26 Syrian refugees from Lebanon arrived at Brussels National Airport. The Humanitarian Corridors model offered them legal passage with a humanitarian visa and a safe flight to Europe. The Community of Sant'Egidio in Belgium, various Catholic dioceses and other Christian churches ensure their reception and integration into Belgian society.
Thanks to the agreement between Sant'Egidio and the federal government of Belgium, so far 223 Syrian refugees have been able to build a new life in Belgium. They add to the more than 6,300 welcomed in Europe since 2016.
This leads us to a pivotal final point that I would like to emphasize, which is the enhanced value of community sponsorship. The support for asylum seekers and refugees is under severe pressure in many countries. By introducing citizens to refugees and involving them in their integration and guidance, we narrow the gap and make the “unknown” known to people. For our resettlement program, we have been working with community sponsorship in Belgium for three years and we plan to expand this even further, because only in this way can we achieve a sustainable policy in all areas.
Now, I would like to focus on the specific issue of welcoming and integrating Ukrainian refugees. Right from the start, Belgium has been an outspoken advocate for the implementation of the EU's Temporary Protection Directive.
In the context of the Ukrainian refugees, this concretely means that in various Belgian cities there are initiatives aimed at the integration of Ukrainian refugees. This includes language lessons, cultural exchanges, job training programs, and other activities that promote the participation and engagement of newcomers in society.
Additionally, there are schools and educational institutions in Belgium that offer specific programs and support to refugee children, facilitating their access to quality education.
Moreover, there are several mentorship programs, where experienced individuals or families guide and support refugees in navigating their new life in the country.
Finally, a number of organizations in Belgium collaborate to ensure that refugees and migrants have access to medical care and psychosocial support, addressing both physical health and mental well-being.
Our efforts to integrate Ukrainian refugees through the many local initiatives reflect our dedication to fostering their successful integration into our society.
In closing, I want to reaffirm Belgium's commitment to a robust and effective asylum system within the European Union and at its external borders. Our presidency of the Council in the EU in 2024 will testify to our dedication to this cause.
Thank you, for addressing this crucial topic and for organizing this international peace conference.