UPR 24th Session, Geneva, January 20, 2016
-as delivered-
Thank you Mr. President.
The United States warmly welcomes Belgium to the UPR Working Group.
The United States notes Belgium’s efforts to combat discrimination, including discrimination in the housing market, but is concerned with continued specific instances of discrimination against members of minority groups.
The United States recognizes the added pressure on social and security resources that the current migration and refugee crisis places on Belgium and other European countries.
We recommend that Belgium:
First, continue efforts to ensure that Jews and Muslims can practice their religions freely.
Second, continue efforts to alleviate discrimination and support inclusion efforts for members of minority groups.
And third, maintain endeavors to decrease overcrowding of prisons and detention facilities through continued facility construction and improvements by other means.
The United States commends Belgium on the promotion of human rights on both a domestic and international level. We recognize Belgium’s robust engagement at the HRC, and support the themes of respect for human rights promoted by the Belgian Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation.
Thank you.