52nd SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP
Statement Norway
on the on the human rights situation in Belgium
delivered by Mr Martin TORBERGSEN
Minister Counsellor, Human Rights
Check against delivery
6 mai 2026
Thank you Vice-President,
Norway warmly welcomes the delegation of Belgium and commends the efforts undertaken since the last review, including strengthened response to gender-based violence, progress in implementing the Istanbul convention, the adoption of a law on consent, and establishing care centres for victims of sexual violence. Nevertheless, some human rights challenges remain.
Norway recommends that Belgium:
- Implement measures to guarantee the human rights of prisoners and detainees, including steps to reduce prison overcrowding.
- Ensure full implementation of their European court of Human Rights rulings concerning the human rights of persons seeking international protection.
- Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
- Prohibit all forms of violence against children through amendments to the Civil Code explicitly banning corporal punishment.
- Finalize the necessary institutional arrangements to make the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights a national human rights institution fully in line with the Paris Principles.
Thank you.