This conference, organised by the Maltese National Contact Point to the European Migration Network (EMN), aims inter alia to examine ways to strengthen ties between migrant children and host communities and to foster mutual understanding. The inclusion of migrant children in local communities, through education, social work, advisory and community services, will be discussed.

EMN Belgium visited the team of DEI Belgium - ECPAT to better understand each other's activities and deepen exchanges and opportunities for cooperation. EMN Belgium, for example, learned more about their work to protect migrant children and their parents in reception centres.

The Federal Public Service Justice is currently able to assign a guardian to an unaccompanied foreign minor within the normal period of 8 weeks. However, the demand for guardians remains high in Limburg, Antwerp and Brussels, and the Guardianship Service is still urgently looking for additional guardians.

18 November marks the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. Children are the most vulnerable group in society and children who are migrating, especially if unaccompanied, face an increased risk of being subjected to violence, including sexual violence, exploitation, and human trafficking.

During a webinar on 17 September 2024, EMN Member and Observer countries and the Red Cross highlighted key practices and challenges in identifying victims of torture in the context of international and temporary protection. The experience of migrant torture survivors was further examined and ways to address their vulnerabilities were discussed.

This launch event will unveil the new EMN - Red Cross Inform on "Practices and challenges in processing victims of torture and ill-treatment in the context of international and temporary protection". The event will highlight key findings from the Inform, present examples of procedures put in place in EMN Member and Observer Countries, and draw insights from the Red Cross approach and experience of National Red Cross Societies in different EU Member States.

This meeting will bring together the Ombudspersons for children as well as children welfare and guardianship authorities of EU Member States and other countries to have an open discussion on the specific aspects of the rights of third-country national unaccompanied minors. 

The Federal Judicial Police reveals that unaccompanied foreign minors in Belgium and throughout Europe are recruited by criminal organisations and forced to carry out theft or drug trafficking. The Federal Police draws attention to this invisible phenomenon and asks to make it a priority for action.

Eurochild and the Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations for Children (FONPC) are organising an international conference to share good practices and lessons on how civil society can facilitate the integration of refugee and asylum-seeking children.

According to an announcement from the office of the Brussels Social Minister Alain Maron, 155 additional emergency places are opened today to accommodate homeless or poorly housed people in Brussels. The emergency shelter welcomes everyone, regardless of residence status.

18 December is the International Migrants Day. On 18 December 2014, the Federal Migration Center organized pedagogical and interactive activities while several labour unions and civil society organizations called for more rights for labour migrants

Syria neighbouring States are increasingly affected by the number of refugees seeking sanctuary within their country. The European Commission is stepping up its assistance to Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon to contribute to address Syrian refugees’ needs.

On 4 December 2014, 22 Syrian refugees landed in Belgium for resettlement. 53 more are expected to arrive by the end of the year. Further resettlements of Syrian refugees are planned in 2015.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a case-law in relation to international protection and protection of human rights in the case of alleged persecutions because of an applicant's sexual orientation.

The proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, aims at clarifying Member States’ responsibilities for examining the application for international protection of unaccompanied minors

Since 13 November 2014 and until May 2015, Belgium is chairing the Committee of Ministers, the political decision making organ of the Council of Europe. Under the Belgian Presidency, migration and asylum will be part of the issues tackled.

The consultation, which runs over 12 weeks and closes on 3 July 2014, allows a wide range of stakeholders and organizations to contribute to the development of guidance on integrated child protection systems.

In the light of a recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU, the Commission is proposing to clarify which Member State is responsible for examining applications made by unaccompanied minors.

This conference focuses on sharing experiences and promising practices to improve the work of professionals dealing with unaccompanied minors and children on the move, in regards to two key aspects: the needs assessment and family tracing.

The UVCW and El Paso invite actors working with unaccompanied foreign minors in various structures (public centres for social welfare, reception centres etc.) to participate in a multidisciplinary training aimed at providing them with adequate knowledge and skills to assist and enpower this group.