Caritas International launches campaign highlighting the experiences of people forced to flee

On 21 September 2026, Caritas International Belgium launched its "Humanity Is Unstoppable" campaign in Brussels. A large teddy bear appeared at several locations across the city, including Brussels-Central station, the Grand-Place, Flagey and Place Luxembourg, to draw attention to the experiences of people forced to flee, particularly children.

The teddy bear is the central character in "Dans ses bras", a campaign film directed by Belgian filmmaker Jef Boes. Shot mainly at De Logies van Louvranges, a Caritas International reception centre for single mothers and children in Wavre, the film follows the journey of Ousman and his parents as they leave their home and seek safety. Residents of the centre took part in the film, recreating scenes inspired by their own experiences. In the film, the teddy bear accompanies the family throughout their journey and represents an object of comfort and protection that children may take with them when they are forced to leave their homes.

Through the campaign, Caritas International aims to draw attention to the importance of dignified reception for people seeking international protection. The organisation argues that having a safe place to stay provides the stability needed to focus on everyday life, including school, work, social relationships and plans for the future. Caritas International also calls for protection and safe and legal routes, and says that the campaign seeks to encourage a more human perspective on migration by looking at the issue from a child’s perspective.

The teddy bear was displayed in Brussels on 21 September and is scheduled to appear in Antwerp and Liège on 22 and 23 September respectively. 

The campaign film and further information are available on the Caritas International campaign website.

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