{"id":2548,"date":"2011-11-06T18:00:59","date_gmt":"2011-11-07T01:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/humanium.org\/en\/?page_id=2548"},"modified":"2026-01-17T14:05:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T14:05:10","slug":"belgium","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/belgium\/","title":{"rendered":"Children of Belgium"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Realizing Children&#8217;s Rights in Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88993\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:200px;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-830x830.jpeg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-230x230.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-350x350.jpeg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2457038751_edited-480x480.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88991\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:200px;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-830x830.jpeg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-230x230.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-350x350.jpeg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1308665215_edited-480x480.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The ratification of key international instruments \u2013 especially the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 \u2013 demonstrates Belgium\u2019s involvement and ongoing progress regarding children\u2019s rights. However, undeniable shortcomings continue to impact children, particularly in terms of unequal access to education, health care, protection from violence, abuse, migrant children\u2019s exclusion, and the failings of the juvenile justice system.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d1299548.753573896!2d3.147142666760572!3d50.49358601980215!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x47c17d64edf39797%3A0x47ebf2b439e60ff2!2sBelgium!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sfr!4v1768078089465!5m2!1sen!2sfr\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Population:<\/strong> 11.758 million<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pop. ages 0-14:<\/strong> 16.30%<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Life expectancy:<\/strong> 82.3 years old<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Under-5 mortality rate:<\/strong> 2.9\u2030<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Belgium at a glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in Northwestern Europe, Belgium has been a representative democracy since it became independent in 1830; it is run by a hereditary constitutional monarchy. It shares 1,385-km-long borders with the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and France to the south (Britannica, 2025).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Culturally, Belgium is a heterogeneous country on the borderline of Roman and Eastern European Germanic languages. In addition to a German-speaking population in the east, there is a French-speaking population \u2013 collectively referred to as the Walloons (about one-third of the total population) \u2013 and the Flemish, which is a Flemish-\/Dutch-speaking population (Britannica, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, the Belgian population is divided into three linguistic communities: the Flemish in the north (the Flemish community), French-speaking Belgians in the south (the French-speaking community), and German-speaking Belgians (the German-speaking community). The Brussels-Capital Region brings officially bilingual towns together (Britannica, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents who were born abroad comprise less than one-tenth of the population. Although most of them come from other European Union countries, a significant proportion of migrants comes from North Africa and Central Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia (Britannica, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Status of children\u2019s rights<\/strong> <strong><u><a href=\"#_ftn1\"><sup><strong><u><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/u><\/strong><\/sup><\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88994\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4993160054719563;width:245px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-230x153.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_196127588-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Belgium is one of the 51 founding members of the United Nations, having joined the organisation on 26 June 1945. Then, Belgium ratified the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/convention\/\">Convention on the Rights of the Child<\/a> on 16 December 1991; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/protocol-child-soldier\/\">Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict<\/a> on 6 May 2002; and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/protocol-child-sale\/\">Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography<\/a> on 17 March 2006 (United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, n.d.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Belgium has also ratified several key international instruments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (21 April 1983)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (8 December 1998)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (21 April 1983)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2 July 2009)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (10 July 1985)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Addressing the needs of children<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/right-to-education\/\">Right to education<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"613\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-1024x613.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88998\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.670519497015115;width:263px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-1024x613.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-768x460.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-1536x920.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-2048x1227.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-830x497.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-230x138.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-350x210.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2425610071-480x288.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Education is a fundamental right in Belgium and is guaranteed by Article 24 of the Constitution as well as the International Convention on the Rights of the Child that has been ratified by the state. This right entails free and quality primary and secondary education (D\u00e9fense des Enfants, 2013). Moreover, school is compulsory for 12 years, starting from the age of six (or five years old as of September 2020) until the age of majority, which is 18. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compulsory school attendance starts when a child turns six (or five as of September 2020). Nonetheless, school is compulsory only until the age of 15. From 15 to 18, teenagers can take part-time courses (Belgian Information and Official Services, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Belgian Constitution, primary and secondary education are free, and access to education should be guaranteed to all citizens without <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/nondiscrimination\/\">discrimination<\/a> of any kind. Indeed, education should be available to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/minority-children\/\">minorities<\/a> and vulnerable groups, including \u2018girls, orphans, children living in rural or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/children-in-rural-areas\/\">remote<\/a> areas, children from ethnic and cultural minorities, nomads, indigenous peoples, children with disabilities, migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and displaced children, children deprived of liberty and finally, children in emergency situations\u2019 (D\u00e9fense des Enfants, 2013).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in practice, some practices continue to discriminate against ethnic, religious, and linguistic origins as well as underprivileged social classes, sex, and migrant children. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/poor-children\/\">Poverty<\/a>, which affects many people in Belgium, is also a major obstacle to the realisation of children\u2019s right to education. Indeed, additional costs such as school meals, uniforms, books, school materials, and trips can put poor or underprivileged families at a disadvantage (D\u00e9fense des Enfants, 2013).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, the right to education is being hindered by several obstacles, particularly poverty and social and racial <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/nondiscrimination\/\">discrimination<\/a> (Amnesty International, 2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/fundamental-rights-2\/health\/\">Right to health<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Belgian Constitution has recognised the right to health since 1994. This recognition includes the right to the protection of health \u2013 encompassing access to quality, affordable, and&nbsp;timely care \u2013 as well as specific rights for patients (S\u00e9curit\u00e9 sociale Citoyen, 2025). Moreover, insured citizens benefit from a mandatory health insurance system that covers numerous medical expenses (INAMI, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Belgium still faces several challenges regarding health, particularly because of significant socio-economic disparities and a rise in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/childhood-illnesses\/\">eating disorders<\/a>. Belgium is also grappling with challenges related to health care access, particularly for vulnerable groups (INAMI, 2020; Indicators Belgium, 2024; OECD, 2022).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, people in precarious situations are those whose health care needs are the least met. For instance, among the 20% of the population that has the lowest incomes, it is estimated that, unfortunately, 6.7% cannot fulfil their medical needs because of costs that are high compared to their incomes (INAMI 2020).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/right-to-protection\/\">Right to protection<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The right to protection in Belgium encompasses the protection of personal data, protection from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/abuse\/\">violence<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/sexual-abuse-children\/\">exploitation<\/a>, and protection of victims\u2019 rights. Belgium also grants protection to those who are persecuted worldwide (Belgian Information and Official Services, 2025).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children, in particular, have the right to be protected against \u2018any form of violence; the use of narcotics; abduction abroad; any form of sexual exploitation; child labour that is dangerous to their health or jeopardizes their education\u2019 (Belgian Official Information and services, 2025; UNICEF, 2011).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In theory, it is incumbent upon parents or legal representatives to protect their children or the children they have in their care. If issues arise or if harm is caused to a child, the state has a responsibility to protect children by providing both help and youth protection services (General Delegate for Children\u2019s Rights, n.d.).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, persisting issues in child protection include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/abuse\/\">abuse<\/a> (family or sexual), corporal punishment, challenges in coordinating protection services, and a lack of resources alongside administrative complexity (SOS Children\u2019s Villages, 2025).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Risk factors \ud83e\udc6a Country-specific challenges&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poverty<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88996\" style=\"width:248px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-830x623.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-230x173.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2216297637-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In Belgium, one child out of 5 \u2013 that is, 20.6% \u2013 grows up in poverty (UNICEF Belgium, 2020). Such poverty impacts all aspects of a child\u2019s life and can significantly jeopardise their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/fundamental-rights-2\/health\/\">health<\/a>, future prospects, safety, and ability to attend university. Underprivileged children are still faced with unequal opportunities in Belgium. Studies show that students coming from an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/poor-children\/\">underprivileged<\/a> background are less integrated than their fellow classmates who come from wealthier families (Amnesty International, 2023).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite primary education being free, side costs are often an obstacle for low-income families; students must often buy uniforms, books, and school materials, and parents must also pay for expenses related to short and longer school trips (D\u00e9fense des Enfants, 2013).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, precariousness has a long-term impact on children\u2019s health, notably \u2018due to inadequate nutrition, insufficient use of prevention services, poor quality housing, and a substandard environment\u2019 (Roi Baudouin Foundation, 2023). Children\u2019s mental <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/fundamental-rights-2\/health\/\">health<\/a> and development are also highly endangered in this context. Children should have free and fair access to health care, regardless of their parents\u2019 coverage status, as is already the case in several European countries (INAMI, 2020).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disabled children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Belgium, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/disabled-children\/\">disabled<\/a> children face issues that impede their inclusion in the school system and their access to basic services. In particular, these difficulties can be accounted for by the lack of adequate structures and tailored solutions, as well as persisting prejudices. Indeed, 90% of school buildings are not accessible and suitable for disabled children. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88997\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4993160054719563;width:288px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-230x153.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2019360575-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Moreover, although the risk of abuse and violence is particularly high among disabled children, there are no official statistics that make it possible to measure their extent. Implementing measures to care for each child and support them at school in a way that is specially adapted to them is crucial. Raising awareness along with training school and social staff on the specific needs of these children is also essential (European Parliament, 2013).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Migrant and refugee children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In theory, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/displaced-children\/\">migrant and refugee<\/a> children who are in asylum or regularisation procedures have the right to reception (General Delegate for Children\u2019s Rights, n.d.). In practice, the waiting list for accommodation in a reception facility is long, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/protection\/\">protection<\/a> of marginalised groups is not guaranteed. Thus, there are children and their families who have no shelter and must survive in precarious conditions \u2013 whether on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/street-children\/\">street<\/a> or in squats (Amnesty International, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, it was only in May 2024 that Belgian law made it illegal to detain a child in a closed centre because of their migration status. However, the Belgian State must still take measures to forbid other forms of alternative <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/detained-children\/\">detention<\/a> that violate children\u2019s rights. These forms include the detention of children in \u2018closed centres\u2019 and \u2018administrative detention centres for migrant families.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Forbidding such detention entails reinforcing the procedural rights of minors in this context by guaranteeing access to legal aid in case of a risk of detention. It is also crucial to implement a legal framework that will ensure the protection of minors to prevent them from being separated from their parents who are detained (D\u00e9fense des Enfants International Belgique, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abused children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Belgium, the number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/abuse\/\">abused<\/a> children is concerning. In 2017, in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the authorities registered 6,188 child abuse cases reported by healthcare professionals or social services. In 2018 in Flanders, 8,699 children were reported, and 14.2% of them were less than three years old. Moreover, it is estimated that 15.6% of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/girls-rights\/\">girls<\/a> are subjected to physical abuse committed by adults before the age of 15 (SOS Children\u2019s Villages, 2025; UNICEF Belgium, 2017).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Belgium must solve these issues by all means. To do so, the state must gather the existing data on all forms of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/abuse\/\">violence<\/a> towards children. The state must also strengthen the protocols used to identify victims as well as existing measures to care for these children, particularly those faced with slave trade or exploitation (UNICEF Belgium, 2017).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Juvenile justice system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Belgium, young people who have broken the law can be subject to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/children-in-justice-system\/\">specific measures<\/a> such as supervision, protection, and educational actions. The aim is to consider the minor as a person along with their living situation (Federal Public Justice Service, 2007). In practice, numerous measures that are enforced do not consider the age of young people and are not appropriate for their situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, it is estimated that one young person out of five feels that they do not have enough information on the judicial system, its role, and the way it works. In a study conducted between 2011 and 2022 in Belgium, 55.6% of the young people interviewed reported that they had not been properly informed or prepared about their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/juvenile-justice\/\">rights<\/a> before their hearing. Moreover, a 2018 report presented to the Belgian state revealed that approximately 1,700 young people were incarcerated between 2013 and 2016 for criminal offences (D\u00e9fense des Enfants International Belgique, 2022).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/detained-children\/\">Juvenile delinquency<\/a> is a multi-factor phenomenon. Belgium should take urgent action at both national and international levels to ensure an effective decrease in the number of minors deprived of their freedom. Prevention and management require a comprehensive approach that encompasses education, family assistance, rehabilitation, and a reform of the judicial system (Afebia, 2024; D\u00e9fense des Enfants International Belgique, 2022).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Written by Mo\u00efra Phu\u00f6ng Van de Po\u00ebl<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Internally proofread by Aditi Partha<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Translated by Catheline Hannier<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Proofread by Or Salama<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Last updated on 5 May 2025<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bibliography:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Afebia (2024, 7 juin). Solutions Innovantes pour Pr\u00e9venir et R\u00e9duire la D\u00e9linquance Juv\u00e9nile. Extrait d\u2019Afebia \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/afebia.tg\/article\/solutions-innovantes-pour-prevenir-et-reduire-la-delinquance-juvenile-298#:~:text=La%20d%C3%A9linquance%20juv%C3%A9nile%20est%20un,la%20r%C3%A9forme%20du%20syst%C3%A8me%20judiciaire\">https:\/\/afebia.tg\/article\/solutions-innovantes-pour-prevenir-et-reduire-la-delinquance-juvenile-298<\/a>., consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Amnesty International (2023, 14 novembre). Les obstacles au droit \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9ducation en Belgique. Extrait d\u2019Amnesty International \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/jeunes.amnesty.be\/jeunes\/nos-campagnes-jeunes\/droit-education\/temoignages\/article\/obstacles-droit-education-belgique#:~:text=La%20Belgique%20peut%20mieux%20faire,'initiative%20d'UNICEF%20Belgique\">https:\/\/jeunes.amnesty.be\/jeunes\/nos-campagnes-jeunes\/droit-education\/temoignages\/article\/obstacles-droit-education-belgique<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Amnesty International (2025, 6 f\u00e9vrier). L\u2019accord de gouvernement suscite de fortes inqui\u00e9tudes en Belgique. Extrait d\u2019Amnesty International \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amnesty.be\/infos\/actualites\/arizona#:~:text=Amnesty%20International%20salue%20l'importance%20r%C3%A9affirm%C3%A9e%20de%20l'attachement,humains%20et%20%C3%A0%20la%20lutte%20contre%20l'impunit%C3%A9\">https:\/\/www.amnesty.be\/infos\/actualites\/arizona<\/a>., consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Amnesty International (2025, 3 avril). Belgique, un refus persistant de respecter le droit \u00e0 l\u2019accueil des personnes demandeurs d\u2019asile. Extrait d\u2019Amnesty International \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amnesty.be\/infos\/actualites\/article\/belgique-refus-persistant-respecter-droit-accueil-demandeuses\">https:\/\/www.amnesty.be\/infos\/actualites\/article\/belgique-refus-persistant-respecter-droit-accueil-demandeuses<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Britannica (2025, 31 mars). Belgium. Extrait de Britannica \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Belgium\">https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Belgium<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">D\u00e9fense des Enfants (2013, avril). Le droit de l\u2019enfant \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9ducation. Extrait de<strong> <\/strong>D\u00e9fense des Enfants \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.right-to-education.org\/sites\/right-to-education.org\/files\/resource-attachments\/DEI-Belgique_Droit_de_l_enfant_a_l_education_2013.pdf\">https:\/\/www.right-to-education.org\/sites\/right-to-education.org\/files\/resource-attachments\/DEI-Belgique_Droit_de_l_enfant_a_l_education_2013.pdf<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">D\u00e9fense des Enfants International Belgique (2022). Promouvoir une justice adapt\u00e9e aux enfants pour tous &amp; toutes. Extrait de D\u00e9fense des Enfants International Belgique \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dei-belgique.be\/index.php\/modes-d-action\/plaidoyer-et-lobbying\/une-justice-adaptee-aux-enfants.html#:~:text=Seul%C2%B7e%20un%C2%B7e%20jeune,e%C2%B7s%20avant%20leur%20audience\">https:\/\/www.dei-belgique.be\/index.php\/modes-d-action\/plaidoyer-et-lobbying\/une-justice-adaptee-aux-enfants.html<\/a>., consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">D\u00e9fense des Enfants International Belgique (2024). La d\u00e9tention d\u2019enfants pour des raisons de migration doit \u00eatre interdite. Extrait de D\u00e9fense des Enfants International Belgique \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/dei-belgique.be\/index.php\/modes-d-action\/plaidoyer-et-lobbying\/la-detention-d-enfants-pour-des-raisons-de-migration.html#:~:text=Depuis%20mai%202024%2C%20la%20loi,fait%20de%20son%20statut%20migratoire\">https:\/\/dei-belgique.be\/index.php\/modes-d-action\/plaidoyer-et-lobbying\/la-detention-d-enfants-pour-des-raisons-de-migration.html<\/a>., consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">D\u00e9l\u00e9gu\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ral aux droits de l\u2019enfant (n.d.). Protection contre les violences et les abus. Extrait du D\u00e9l\u00e9gu\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ral aux droits de l\u2019enfant \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.defenseurdesenfants.be\/thematiques\/protection-contre-les-violences-et-abus\">Protection contre les https:\/\/www.defenseurdesenfants.be\/thematiques\/protection-contre-les-violences-et-abusviolences et abus | DGDE<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Fondation Roi Baudouin (2023, octobre). La d\u00e9privation des enfants en Belgique et dans ses r\u00e9gions: que disent les nouvelles donn\u00e9es ?. Extrait de la Fondation Roi Baudoin \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/media.kbs-frb.be\/fr\/media\/11074\/FR_D%C3%A9privation%20des%20enfants%20en%20Belgique_Brochure\">https:\/\/media.kbs-frb.be\/fr\/media\/11074\/FR_D%C3%A9privation%20des%20enfants%20en%20Belgique_Brochure<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">INAMI (2020). Les in\u00e9galit\u00e9s d&#8217;acc\u00e8s aux soins de sant\u00e9 en Belgique. Extrait d\u2019INAMI \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inami.fgov.be\/fr\/publications\/les-inegalites-d-acces-aux-soins-de-sante-en-belgique#:~:text=L'acc%C3%A8s%20aux%20soins%20de,de%20recherche%20%C3%A0%20ce%20sujet\">https:\/\/www.inami.fgov.be\/fr\/publications\/les-inegalites-d-acces-aux-soins-de-sante-en-belgique<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">INAMI (2025). Soins de sant\u00e9 : co\u00fbt et remboursement. Extrait d\u2019INAMI \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inami.fgov.be\/fr\/themes\/soins-de-sante-cout-et-remboursement#:~:text=En%20Belgique%2C%20le%20syst%C3%A8me%20d,'hospitalisation%2C%20etc\">https:\/\/www.inami.fgov.be\/fr\/themes\/soins-de-sante-cout-et-remboursement<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Indicators Belgium (2024, 29 novembre). Maladie ou probl\u00e8me de sant\u00e9 de longue dur\u00e9e. Extrait d\u2019Indicators Belgium \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/indicators.be\/fr\/i\/G03_LSI\/Maladie_ou_probl%C3%A8me_de_sant%C3%A9_de_longue_dur%C3%A9e#:~:text=En%202023%2C%20la%20part%20de%20la%20population,longue%20dur%C3%A9e%20s\">https:\/\/indicators.be\/fr\/i\/G03_LSI\/Maladie_ou_probl%C3%A8me_de_sant%C3%A9_de_longue_dur%C3%A9e<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Informations et services officiels belges (2025). Droits de l\u2019enfant. Extrait d\u2019Informations et services officiels belges \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belgium.be\/fr\/famille\/enfants\/droits_de_l_enfant\">https:\/\/www.belgium.be\/fr\/famille\/enfants\/droits_de_l_enfant<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Informations et services officiels belges (2025). Droits fondamentaux. Extrait Informations et services officiels belges \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belgium.be\/fr\/justice\/victime\/plaintes_et_declarations\/droits_de_base\/droits_fondamentaux\">https:\/\/www.belgium.be\/fr\/justice\/victime\/plaintes_et_declarations\/droits_de_base\/droits_fondamentaux<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Informations et services officiels belges (2025). Obligation scolaire. Extrait d\u2019Informations et services officiels belges \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belgium.be\/fr\/formation\/enseignement\/droits_et_devoirs\/obligation_scolaire#:~:text=L'obligation%20scolaire%20s'%C3%A9tend,l'%C3%A2ge%20de%20quinze%20ans\">https:\/\/www.belgium.be\/fr\/formation\/enseignement\/droits_et_devoirs\/obligation_scolaire<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">KPMG (2023, 31 ao\u00fbt). Modification de la l\u00e9gislation f\u00e9d\u00e9rale anti-discrimination. Extrait de KPMG \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/kpmg.com\/be\/fr\/home\/insights\/2023\/08\/sme-modification-de-la-legislation-federale-anti-discrimination.html#:~:text=La%20discrimination%20intersectionnelle%20est%20d%C3%A9finie,qui%20interagissent%20et%20deviennent%20indissociables%20%C2%BB\">https:\/\/kpmg.com\/be\/fr\/home\/insights\/2023\/08\/sme-modification-de-la-legislation-federale-anti-discrimination.html<\/a>., consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Le D\u00e9l\u00e9gu\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ral aux droits de l\u2019enfant (n.d.). Enfants r\u00e9fugi\u00e9s, migration. Extrait du D\u00e9l\u00e9gu\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ral aux droits de l\u2019enfant \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.defenseurdesenfants.be\/thematiques\/enfants-refugies-migration\">https:\/\/www.defenseurdesenfants.be\/thematiques\/enfants-refugies-migration<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Nations Unies Droits de l\u2019Homme Organes et Trait\u00e9s (n.d.). Le statut de ratification par pays ou par trait\u00e9. Extrait des Nations Unies Droits de l\u2019Homme Organes et Trait\u00e9s \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/tbinternet.ohchr.org\/_layouts\/15\/TreatyBodyExternal\/Treaty.aspx?Lang=fr\">https:\/\/tbinternet.ohchr.org\/_layouts\/15\/TreatyBodyExternal\/Treaty.aspx?Lang=fr<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">OECD (2022). Belgique &#8211; Profils de sant\u00e9 par pays 2021. Extrait d\u2019OECD \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/health.ec.europa.eu\/system\/files\/2022-01\/2021_chp_be_french.pdf\">https:\/\/health.ec.europa.eu\/system\/files\/2022-01\/2021_chp_be_french.pdf<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">S\u00e9curit\u00e9 sociale Citoyen (2025). Sant\u00e9. Extrait de S\u00e9curit\u00e9 sociale citoyen \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialsecurity.be\/citizen\/fr\/sante#:~:text=Le%20droit%20%C3%A0%20la%20sant%C3%A9,et%20d'un%20co%C3%BBt%20abordable\">https:\/\/www.socialsecurity.be\/citizen\/fr\/sante<\/a> consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Service Public F\u00e9d\u00e9ral Justice (2007). Approche de la d\u00e9linquance juv\u00e9nile. Extrait du Service Public F\u00e9d\u00e9ral Justice \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/justice.belgium.be\/sites\/default\/files\/downloads\/Approche%20de%20la%20d%C3%A9linquance%20juv%C3%A9nile.pdf\">https:\/\/justice.belgium.be\/sites\/default\/files\/downloads\/Approche%20de%20la%20d%C3%A9linquance%20juv%C3%A9nile.pdf<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">SOS Villages d\u2019Enfants (2025). S\u00e9curit\u00e9 des enfants. Extrait de SOS Villages d\u2019Enfants \u00e0 https:\/\/www.sos-villages-enfants.be\/securite-des-enfants, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">UNIA (2025). Equality Data: donn\u00e9es sur l\u2019(in)\u00e9galit\u00e9 et la discrimination. Extrait d\u2019UNIA \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unia.be\/fr\/connaissances-recommandations\/equality-data-donn%C3%A9es-sur-lin%C3%A9galit%C3%A9-et-la-discrimination\">https:\/\/www.unia.be\/fr\/connaissances-recommandations\/equality-data-donn%C3%A9es-sur-lin%C3%A9galit%C3%A9-et-la-discrimination<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">UNIA (2025). Intersectionnalit\u00e9 et discrimination. Extrait d\u2019UNIA \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unia.be\/fr\/dossiers\/intersectionnalit%C3%A9-et-discrimination\">https:\/\/www.unia.be\/fr\/dossiers\/intersectionnalit%C3%A9-et-discrimination<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">UNICEF (2011). Le droit \u00e0 la protection. Extrait d\u2019UNICEF \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unicef.fr\/sites\/default\/files\/userfiles\/Sequence%207_1-FicheEnseignant-College.pdf\">https:\/\/www.unicef.fr\/sites\/default\/files\/userfiles\/Sequence%207_1-FicheEnseignant-College.pdf<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">UNICEF Belgique (2017). La violence \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard des enfants. Extrait d\u2019UNICEF \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unicef.be\/fr\/plaidoyer\/le-plaidoyer-sur-divers-themes-politiques\/la-violence-legard-des-enfants\">https:\/\/www.unicef.be\/fr\/plaidoyer\/le-plaidoyer-sur-divers-themes-politiques\/la-violence-legard-des-enfants<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">UNICEF Belgique (2020). La pauvret\u00e9 infantile ne touche pas que les pays \u00e0 faibles revenus. Extrait d\u2019UNICEF Belgique \u00e0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unicef.be\/fr\/sensibilisation-et-communication\/campagne-pauvrete-infantile\">https:\/\/www.unicef.be\/fr\/sensibilisation-et-communication\/campagne-pauvrete-infantile<\/a>, consult\u00e9 en avril 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"#_ftnref1\">[1]<\/a> This article by no means purports to give a full or representative account of children\u2019s rights in Belgium; indeed, one of the many challenges is the scant updated information on Belgium\u2019s children, much of which is unreliable, not representative, outdated, or simply non-existent.<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Realizing Children&#8217;s Rights in Belgium The ratification of key international instruments \u2013 especially the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 \u2013 demonstrates Belgium\u2019s involvement and ongoing progress regarding children\u2019s rights. However, undeniable shortcomings continue to impact children, particularly in terms of unequal access to education, health care, protection from violence, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":88999,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2548","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Children of Belgium - Humanium<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In Belgium, unequal access to education and the failings of the juvenile justice system are some of the issues impacting children.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/belgium\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Children of Belgium - 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