U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Belgium

 38^th session, May 5, 2021

As Delivered by Sean Mariano Garcia

The United States warmly welcomes the Belgian delegation to the UPR Working Group.

We recommend that Belgium:

1. Devote additional resources to prosecuting hate crimes and countering discrimination against vulnerable groups, in particular Muslims, LGBTQI+ persons, refugees and migrants, and persons of African origin.
2. Strengthen efforts to combat anti-Semitism and promote religious tolerance through policies and practices in education and policing.
3. Respect the rights of members of all religious groups to worship as they choose, and respect choice of dress and the practice of ritual slaughter.

We applaud Belgium for its strong track record of protecting and promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and its leadership in promoting human rights through diplomacy and aid programs.  Its new Federal Institute of Human Rights will be an important institution to guarantee human rights.