The Federal Institute for Human Rights (IFDH) has raised alarms over an “insidious and worrying” decline in the rule of law in Belgium, highlighting growing concerns about the country’s commitment to fundamental democratic principles. In its latest report, presented to members of parliament and the federal government at the start of the parliamentary session, the institute cited several shortcomings, including the failure to enforce court rulings and insufficient resources allocated for their implementation.
The report also criticized the increasing reliance on administrative sanctions and a rise in restrictions on fundamental freedoms, such as the right to protest and freedom of expression. The IFDH emphasized that even in established democracies, core principles of the rule of law are at risk of erosion, and vigilance is necessary to protect them.
IFDH called on the executive branch to prioritize human rights and the rule of law in policymaking, warning that measures that appear pragmatic but undermine these principles could erode the long-term legitimacy of policies. The institute also urged parliamentarians to hold the government accountable whenever the rule of law is threatened and to embed safeguards in legislation to ensure compliance with human rights obligations.
Related Posts
