The Shield International Organization, dedicated to upholding noble humanitarian values, issues an urgent global call to governments, human rights organizations, relief agencies, liberation movements, and humanitarian funds. We invite these entities to unite in a concerted effort to establish justice and peace in a world beset by unprecedented challenges. As humanitarian crises worsen, poverty spreads, and conflicts intensify, standing together has become essential to building a world free from oppression and suffering.
This call is especially relevant given the increasing presence of certain forces that profit from sustained conflicts and actively fuel sectarian, racial, and religious tensions, thus undermining efforts for peace and coexistence. These actors prioritize political and economic gains over basic human rights to peace and dignity, creating barriers to the global mission of mutual understanding and collaboration. Shield International believes that true justice is the foundation of lasting peace and that the journey to peace begins with deep solidarity and continuous humanitarian commitment, extending beyond immediate relief efforts toward a lasting pledge to create a world rooted in mutual respect and equal rights and opportunities.
Message to the World:
The organization appeals to all governments, humanitarian bodies, and every individual who believes in human dignity and the right to a safe life to collaborate in ending conflicts that result in devastation and rob entire generations of their future. This struggle is not only against oppressive forces but also against the relentless passage of time that deprives children of their futures and denies families their right to live in peace.
Shield International affirms that unity and practical action are powerful enough to halt cycles of violence and ease the suffering of millions of those affected, particularly in the most severely impacted areas. Solidarity, for the organization, is a practical commitment manifesting in every child who returns to school, every family that finds shelter, and every refugee who regains hope after enduring unspeakable hardship.
In Conclusion:
Every act of solidarity is a real opportunity to transform lives, and each step toward justice is a step toward a lasting peace for all humanity. Shield International Organization calls on everyone to be part of this transformation for a secure future and a world marked by compassion and mutual understanding, free from violence and discrimination.
The International Shield Organization has sought to defend the rights and freedom of citizens since its inception by paying attention to human issues, preserving their freedom and dignity, preserving the principles of international peace and security, and supporting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
And that is by establishing charitable activities for the poor, orphans, and people with special needs and supporting them. These permanent and continuous charitable activities for orphaned children, refugees, immigrants, and people with special needs are one of the goals and pillars of the Global Shield Organization, which will stimulate their imagination, develop their creativity, develop their skills, enhance their self-confidence and increase the effectiveness of their communication with others.
And the establishment of sports and humanitarian activities and exhibitions, the most important of which is the Global Soil Exhibition, and the establishment of training workshops for young people and youth, as the importance of their role is in the development of society, the active participation of youth, the operation of all their energies and capabilities, support for sustainable development, climate action, the eradication of poverty and hunger, the promotion of international law and human justice, and the protection of civilians in areas under the control of groups Armed Forces and the protection of children during armed conflicts
Through meetings, seminars, and international conferences
These are related to ending colonialism, granting independence to colonial countries and peoples, and the right to self-determination, the most important of which is the right of the Palestinian people to return to their homes, their right to self-determination, solidarity and union in order to preserve human dignity and freedom, and the responsibility to promote and protect human rights, and to oppose wars in all their forms, and to demand the cessation of all forms of war. Sectarian and ethnic conflicts and support for the rights of refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons, and stateless people around the world
The interest in wishing in all its forms, climate change, the demand to stop environmental crimes on the ground, the prevention of infectious diseases, the focus on the importance of education, especially in rural areas, and the dissemination of a culture of peace through learning the culture of dialogue was of great importance in stopping local and international conflicts and combating racism and racial and sectarian discrimination. Monitoring human rights violations and defending freedom of thought and expression on the basis of truth and respect for others
Eliminating violence against women and against women human rights defenders which leads to making their societies more inclusive and equal. Equity for women in agricultural and food systems reduces the number of hungry people and enhances the global economy. Promoting human, economic, commercial, tourism, and cultural development
Combating media disinformation, as it is considered one of the most important destructive weapons of our time, in order to achieve the human goal of decent living, security, and peace and to maintain peaceful coexistence.
The Shield Organization works to achieve world peace, promote dialogue and solidarity among people, and spread a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among people. Respect for human rights and conventions related to the rights of people, especially their right to self-determination. And basic freedoms for all people without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, language or religion, and the defense of freedom of thought and expression and the pursuit of justice and equality in all parts of the world.
Religious freedom is one of the first rights to be recognized under international law. Even today, a review of official international and national documents on religion indicates that governments and the international community recognize the place of religious freedom within the constellation of human rights.
The Shield Organization believes in the important role of popular diplomacy in avoiding conflicts, in cultural, economic, commercial and intellectual rapprochement, in developing relations between peoples, and in establishing world peace.
Therefore, the Global Shield Organization has sought, since its inception, to activate the role of popular diplomacy through dialogue.
In all fields aimed at serving human beings and upgrading
Global Shield Global Vision aims to promote a culture of learning in emergencies as life-saving interventions and continuous and productive youth participation in the learning and knowledge through which systemic resilience and disaster recovery capacity are transformed.
The International Shield Organization is concerned with cultural rapprochement and the promotion of dialogue between cultures and peaceful coexistence between peoples and nations.
It is an important force in reducing poverty and strengthening global solidarity
The organization works hard to combat marginalization
The suffering of the Muhamasheen, the discrimination they are exposed to, and the inequality in all areas of life
It leads to the spread of the phenomenon of crime, deviation, hostilities, involvement in armed groups, riots, demonstrations and acts of sabotage that often lead to imprisonment or death.
The Shield organization supports educational programs in the field of human rights and works in the name of peace and the rights of people to self-determination. It encourages dialogue and solidarity between peoples and cultures.
The organization is also interested in changing the environment, climate, sustainable human development, shaping the economic development pattern, supporting and developing education, the responsibility of global partnerships, academic freedom and information technology, supporting and developing youth programs and interest in their contemporary issues, and promoting and empowering women’s capabilities in the process of comprehensive and sustainable economic and industrial development.
The International Shield Organization and its commissions, directorates, and branches seek to respect the national legislation of the countries whose citizens enjoy membership in the organization.
Affirming respect for the national legislations of the countries whose citizens enjoy membership in the Global Shield Organization, the texts of international treaties, charters, and principles, and respect for the global public order.
We realize the importance of promoting these encounters between cultures in light of the expansion of conflicts in the world, through which ways of joint cooperation, continuous communication, positive dialogue, coordination, and consultation are discussed.
We strive for human rights and spread the message of just world peace and tolerance among people. We work to encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all people without discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, language, or religion. We activate the language of dialogue and peaceful coexistence, reject violence, extremism, and racial discrimination, and defend freedom of thought. Expression and striving to establish justice and equality in all parts of the world. We are independent. The Shield Organization does not receive financial support or aid for the security of governments or the security of political parties, movements, or forces. The organization will continue to defend human freedom and dignity.
Overview of human rights in Belgium
Belgium is a member of the United Nations (UN) and a founding member of the European Union (EU). As such, human rights in Belgium have several layers of recognition and enforcement. They are protected globally through the UN, regionally through the EU, and nationally through the Belgian Constitution.
Belgium is a signatory to the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR). This document lays out fundamental human rights such as:
The right to life
Prohibition of slavery
Freedom from torture
Freedom of expression
Conscience and religion
Peaceful association and movement
Freedom of the press
At the regional level, Belgium is a party to the European Convention on Human Rights (1953), which established the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). This court hears both individual and interstate complaints, and its judgments are legally binding. More recently, Belgium signed the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (2000). This modern charter expands upon the ECHR, including rights to education, property, and consumers, as well as protection of personal data and the environment.
Within Belgium itself, the Belgian Constitution (1831) guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press. It also protects the right to vote and all the rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. The Constitution protects all residents of Belgium.
Civil Rights in Belgium
Belgium is a stable and functioning democracy that guarantees and broadly respects political rights and civil liberties. The law guarantees freedom of assembly and association, including the right to protest or join a union. Furthermore, it ranks 18th out of 178 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, suggesting a high level of state transparency and accountability. That said, there have been scandals in recent years due to political officials holding multiple paid positions in public and private companies.
Freedom of speech and the press
On the whole, Belgium provides an excellent level of freedom of speech and press. The Belgian constitution guarantees freedom of speech, although restrictions ban incitements of hatred, such as Holocaust denial.
Newspapers on a rack in Brussels
Reporters Without Borders ranks Belgium 23rd out of 180 countries for press freedom. Although the press is relatively free from political pressure, journalists face online and physical threats and violence from police and protesters. This was especially relevant in reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic – the V-Dem Institute suggests that this led to severe media restrictions during this period.
Arrest and detention
The Belgian justice system is a civil law system. Its criminal process is inquisitorial rather than adversarial. The country’s law prohibits arbitrary arrest, and any person has the right to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest and detention in court. Defendants have the right to remain silent and to know the charges against them – they can be in custody for only 48 hours without being charged. The authorities extended this period in 2017 following terrorist attacks in 2015 and 2016. If charges are brought, the defendant has the right to an attorney, a fair and public trial, and the presumption of innocence.
Belgium’s attitudes towards minorities
While members of minority groups have full political rights, and many political parties have senior members of different races, ethnicities, and religions, there are still plenty of challenges. For example, Ihsane Haouach, who wears a headscarf, resigned as government commissioner after anti-Muslim harassment, including from a politician, Georges-Louis Bouchez.
Religious face coverings have been banned in public locations since 2011 – this, plus a rise in nationalist and far-right politics in Flanders, have led to a more pronounced and accepted anti-Muslim attitude. In addition, high-profile cases highlight discrimination in the job market. Immigrants, Belgians of African descent, and Romany residents also experience discrimination.
Political rights in Belgium
While all men have been allowed to vote in Belgium since 1893, women did not have this right until 1948. However, they could first cast their ballot a year later, in the parliamentary election on 26 June 1949. Today, Belgians over 18 can vote, and those over 16 may vote in European Parliamentary elections. In fact, voting is compulsory for Belgian citizens in some polls, and failure to cast a ballot can result in a fine or losing the right to vote.
Eligibility to vote in Belgium varies depending upon the type of election and the citizenship or residency status of the voter. Non-citizens can vote in some elections. All elections require registration beforehand, but Belgian citizens are automatically put on the voting rolls.
European Parliament elections
Voting in this election is open to EU citizens only – they can vote in European Parliamentary elections wherever they live in the EU. However, you may only vote in one country. To vote for candidates on the Belgian candidate list, you must register with the municipality and enroll to vote before the official deadline – usually several weeks before the election.
A man voting in European Parliament election. He is placing a folded ballot paper into a clear glass box with lots of other ballot papers in it.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
Federal Parliament elections
Voting in this election is mandatory for Belgian citizens. Some permanent residents who have lived in Belgium for five years can also vote – when you register with the town hall, you can also be put on the electoral roll.
Regional Parliament elections
Starting in 2024, voting in regional elections (Flemish, Walloon, Brussels Capital Region, German-speaking) will no longer be mandatory. However, non-citizens who have been living in Belgium for five years may be allowed to vote.
Municipal elections
Again, from 2024, voting in municipal elections will no longer be mandatory, and non-citizens will be allowed to vote, provided they have registered and have lived in Belgium for five years.
Social and cultural rights in Belgium
Belgium performs highly in social indicators in the OECD’s Better Life Index, scoring above average in income, education, housing, health, and life satisfaction. However, it receives a below-average score for community and social connections.
The right “to lead a life in keeping with human dignity” is guaranteed by the Belgian Constitution. These rights include:
A free choice of occupation
Fair terms of work and remuneration
Collective bargaining
Social security, healthcare, and social, medical, and legal aid
Decent housing
Protection of a healthy environment
Cultural and social fulfillment
Family allowances
The constitution also guarantees the right to free public school education and freedom of religion. However, as discussed, some religious groups, such as Muslims, face discrimination in practice.
Everyone in Belgium is entitled to social security, but there are restrictions for asylum seekers, refugees, and non-residents. Additionally, people without legal residency can only access emergency medical services.
Workers’ rights in Belgium
Most EU citizens do not need work permits to work legally in Belgium. New Member States of the EU may be subject to some restrictions on the free flow of labor, although workers with high-demand skills may be exempt from these restrictions. In contrast, other foreign nationals must apply for a residency permit with working rights before moving to Belgium.
Asylum seekers awaiting a decision on their claim are allowed to work and do not need to apply for a separate work permit. In addition, they are entitled to a free assistance program and vocational training. Nevertheless, finding gainful employment can be difficult due to residency status uncertainty, language barriers, and discrimination.
Belgium has some of Europe’s most worker-friendly labor laws, guaranteeing humane working hours and healthy conditions. It also has Europe’s second-highest minimum wage, which the government reviews regularly.
As a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Belgium monitors employment practices to protect workers’ rights. Furthermore, all Belgian workers have the right to join a trade union without fear of reprisal. The three main trade unions in Belgium align with Christian, socialist, and liberal movements.
Learn how to find a job in Belgium
In addition, recent reforms have adapted the working world to the current climate, further improving working conditions. Its main points included:
Allowing workers to split their working hours between four days instead of five
The right to disconnect from work communications outside of working hours
Protections for gig workers
Funding for career-related training
Women’s rights
Women’s rights in Belgium have come a long way since they first received the right to vote. Indeed, the Belgian constitution states that men and women are equal, and the gender pay gap has halved over the past ten years. The country now has the sixth-lowest gender pay gap in Europe and ranks 27th out of 153 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report. Still, despite Belgium’s efforts to close the pay gap, fewer women work full-time, perhaps due to taking on the bulk of domestic work and childcare.
A woman in a green jacket and surgical mask protesting with a sign that says ‘La précarité n’est pas un métier’ – ‘precarity isn’t a job’
A woman from the Christian food and services trade union protests outside the National Pension Office on International Women’s Day 2021 (Photo: Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Concerning reproductive freedom in Belgium, abortion is legal until 12 weeks after conception. It must take place in an abortion clinic or a hospital that offers the service. Notably, this procedure is inexpensive for Belgian residents but costs more for non-residents. After 12 weeks, abortion is permitted only if there is a risk to the woman’s life or if the fetus shows the risk of severe and incurable illness or disability. If you request an abortion, you must wait six days before the procedure. Some in Belgium have been pushing for abortion to be legal up to 18 weeks after conception and for the waiting period to be reduced to 48 hours.
LGBTQIA+ rights
Belgium has some of the most progressive policies on gay rights in Europe. As such, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe) ranks Belgium as the third most LGBTQIA+-friendly country on the continent. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003 and adoption since 2006. However, ILGA-Europe recommends introducing explicit laws that prohibit hate crimes related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.
Since 2018, it has been legal to change gender in Belgium without surgery. Instead, the person who wishes to change their gender can declare their intention at the municipality or town hall and wait for the public prosecutor’s decision. Although the law allows for relatively progressive transgender rights, Rainbow Europe notes that non-binary and intersex people still lack provisions in the law.
Disability rights in Belgium
In 2022, Belgium amended its constitution to include a section guaranteeing that every person with a disability has the right to full inclusion in society. As a result, it is not only illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities, but authorities must also ensure that public services are accessible to them.
Get acquainted with the Belgian social security system
In addition, people with disabilities receive allowances through social security, including training and occupational therapy. There is also an income replacement allowance for people whose disability restricts their ability to work. However, it is conditional based on age, nationality, place of residence, and household income.
Despite Belgium’s legal provisions, many Belgians report a lower standard of living due to extra costs associated with their disability. In addition, they experience discrimination, including stereotyping and even violence.
Anti-racism and anti-discrimination legislation
Belgium has many laws designed to prohibit racism. Nevertheless, in May of 2021, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) officially recommended that Belgium investigate allegations of racist incidents by the police. It also recommended an explicit prohibition of racial profiling and advised increased racial diversity in its police force.
Specifically, there have been accusations of Belgian police using excessive force against people from the Middle East and North Africa. Complaints of racism rose by 50% in 2020, according to Unia, Belgian’s national anti-discrimination authority. Following the unexplained death of 23-year-old Ibrahim Barrie in police custody in 2021, there were protests where police used tear gas.
Refugee rights
Belgium has seen a significant increase in its refugee population over the past ten years. In 2021, there were 25,971 applications for asylum, and as of June 2022, there were also around 52,000 Ukrainian refugees in Belgium. The asylum process is managed by the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (Commissariaat-generaal voor de Vluchtelingen en de Staatlozen, CGVS).
CGVS provides a guide to seeking asylum in several languages. Upon arriving in Belgium, asylum seekers must register at the Immigration Office, with border authorities, or at the detention center where they are being held. They can then request accommodation in a refugee center, material help, and guidance while they await their formal interview, usually months later. This interview determines which residence status they receive if any. They have the right to have legal assistance and a trusted person present. If rejected, they can appeal the decision and qualify for legal counsel. The authorities cannot deport them during the appeal process.
Discover ways to help refugees
Currently, there is a large backlog of cases and refugee centers in Belgium experience overcrowding. In addition, in 2021, hundreds of refugees went on hunger strike to demand formalized residency.
In the spring of 2022, the EU issued a temporary protection directive for Ukrainian nationals and residents fleeing the Russian invasion. This gives them the right to work, residency, education, social allowances, and medical assistance for one year, with the possibility of an extension. However, to enjoy these rights, refugees must register with local authorities – a process that involved lengthy queues at the beginning of the crisis. Refugees from other countries have also spoken out about Belgium’s unfair treatment of non-Ukrainian asylum seekers.
What to do if you experience human rights abuses or restrictions in Belgium
Unfortunately, although Belgium provides its residents with many liberties, discrimination still occurs. Should you have a problem with public services, you can contact an Ombudsman. These include:
The Federal Ombudsman
Flanders Ombudsman (Vlaamse Ombudsdienst)
Wallonia/Wallonia-Brussels Ombudsman (Le médiateur)
Ombudsdienst der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft Belgiens – for the German-speaking community
There are also several bodies within Belgium that deal with specific types of discrimination. For example, Unia provides a platform for reporting racism and hate speech. People who experience gender discrimination can contact the Institute for Equality between Men and Women.
At a higher level, if you feel that a country or EU institution or legal act has violated your human rights, there are several bodies you can contact, including The European Court of Human Rights.
Human rights organizations in Belgium
Several human rights organizations promote the freedoms of people in Belgium and all over the world.
On March 25, 2016, the delegation of the Shield Organization, headed by Dr. Saleh Daher, offered condolences to the Belgian people following the terrorist attack that took place in the city of Brussels on Tuesday, March 22, which resulted in the killing of 34 citizens and the wounding of nearly 270 others.
Where a message of condolences and sympathy was presented to the Kingdom of Belgium and solidarity with its King Louis-Philippe Lebord Marie and the Belgian people through an official letter presented to His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ukraine
Dr. Saleh Zahir also wrote a condolence book in condolence book and laid a wreath of flowers on the doorsteps of the embassy in the capital, Kyiv.
