The Belgian government said Wednesday it will no longer provide shelter for single men seeking asylum, arguing its insufficient reception capacity should prioritise families, women and children.
The Belgian government said Wednesday it will no longer provide shelter for single men seeking asylum, arguing its insufficient reception capacity should prioritise families, women and children.
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Europe’s foremost human rights organisation and aid groups condemned the move as reneging on international commitments.
Belgium has long come under criticism for failing to provide enough shelter to the thousands of people who are seeking protection from persecution back home.
Long lines of tents along streets outside the main processing centre in Brussels have become a stain on Belgium’s reputation.
On Wednesday, Asylum State Secretary Nicole de Moor said increasing pressure on asylum housing was expected over the coming months.
She wanted “absolutely to avoid children ending up in the streets this winter.”
Instead, single men will have to fend for themselves.
According to the EU Agency for Asylum, male applicants last year accounted for 71% of asylum claims.