The UPR is a peer-review mechanism in which UN Member States assess each other’s human rights performance. Belgium’s review took place during the fourth cycle of the process, which examines progress made since the previous evaluation in 2021. The process is based on three main sources: the national report submitted by Belgium, a compilation of UN information prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and a summary of stakeholder submissions, including civil society organisations and national human rights institutions.

In the area of asylum and migration, the UN compilation report and stakeholder submissions refer to issues previously identified in the context of the UPR monitoring cycle. These include pressures on reception systems for applicants for international protection, the functioning of asylum procedures, and the situation of persons in administrative detention. The documentation also refers to the need to ensure that reception conditions comply with international human rights standards and that procedural safeguards are effectively applied.

During the interactive dialogue, UN Member States issued recommendations to Belgium covering a range of human rights issues. In relation to asylum and migration, recommendations included strengthening reception capacity for asylum seekers, ensuring adequate living conditions, and reinforcing safeguards for vulnerable persons in procedures. Several recommendations also addressed detention practices, including calls to ensure that immigration detention is used only as a measure of last resort and in accordance with international standards.

The final outcome of the review will be adopted by the Human Rights Council at a later stage of the 2026 session. Belgium will then indicate which recommendations it accepts or notes, in line with the standard UPR follow-up procedure.

For further information, please read the official media advisory issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which provides access to the relevant reports and the review session.