Implementation of the ‘Metis’ parliamentary resolution continues
Faced with its colonial past in Central Africa, Belgium has decided to embark on a necessary journey of research, truth and memory. The research project concerning the segregation suffered by the metis from Belgian colonization for the implementation of the parliamentary resolution ‘Metis’ is taking place in two phases. After a first phase, which started on September 1, 2019, a…
International Human Rights Day : Belgium commits to reducing inequality and advancing human rights
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmès and Minister for Development Cooperation Meryame Kitir reiterate Belgium’s commitment to the protection and promotion of all human rights for everyone.
The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights. Both Ministers therefore support the…
Ministers Wilmès and Kitir keep fight against gender-based violence high on their agenda
25 November 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the international campaign ’16 days of activism against gender-based violence’. This campaign runs from 25 November (International Day against Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day) and aims at eradicating violence against women and girls worldwide.
Belgium strives for a holistic approach to gender-based…
The EU Strategic Compass is taking shape: “We must take control of our European security and defence.”
The European Union Ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs discussed the first version of the European Union Strategic Compass on Monday evening. In the face of increasing global competition and growing threats, the EU must develop into a reliable and credible security player, which takes greater responsibility and is able to act autonomously in cooperation with partners and where necessary.…
EU-African Union ministerial meeting in Kigali
Dear Colleagues,
First of all, I would like to thank Rwanda and Minister Vincent Biruta for hosting us, as well as our Co-Presidents Josep Borrell and Christophe Lutundula, for organising this meeting.
I will address two points in particular.
Chairs, with regard to the theme of ‘Peace, security and governance’, I think it is relevant, as the African Union’s framework memorandum invites us…
Welcome ceremony for the second edition of the Benelux Youth Forum at the Egmont Palace
This 21 October, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophiè Wilmes welcomed several dozens of young representatives from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg to the Benelux Youth Forum 2021 during a reception at the Egmont Palace.
The participants, all members of the European Youth Parliament (EYP), will work and debate for two days on the theme of ‘climate and sustainability’, with a…
Together against the Death Penalty
On the occasion of the 19th European and World Day against the Death Penalty, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmès reaffirms Belgium’s commitment to the universal abolition of the death penalty.
The fight against the death penalty has long been one of our country’s main thematic priorities. The ultimate goal of Belgium and the EU is a worldwide and total…
Sophie Wilmès launches the Belgian part of the Conference on the Future of Europe
Today, Friday 8 October, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs, Sophie Wilmès kicked off the Belgian section of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) – a series of Belgian events that will take place throughout the autumn – at an opening event in the presence of European Commissioner, Didier Reynders.
As a founding member of the European Union, an…
Belgium considers that Mr. Rusesabagina did not receive a fair and due process
On Monday September 20th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmès was informed of the verdict in the trial of Mr. Rusesabagina in Kigali. At the end of this judicial procedure – and despite repeated calls by Belgium – it has to be concluded that Mr Rusesabagina did not receive a fair and due trial, in particular with regards to the rights of defence. The…
Belgium at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York
The 76th session of the UN General Assembly will open in New York on 20 September, under the theme “Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations.”
Due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the High Level Week (20-27 September) will be held…