The United Nations has deemed December 18th "International Migrants Day" to encourage dialogue and respect for the rights of migrants all over the world. Activists in Belgium used the occasion to protest what they see as their government’s growing intolerance of immigrants seeking refuge within its borders.
Belgium’s Asylum and Migration Secretary is quoted in a local newspaper—advocating monthly charter flights – to more efficiently expel illegal immigrants back to Africa and parts of Eastern and Central Europe.
It’s the latest action by Theo Francken drawing fire from advocates for migrants – fearful of a harsh and uneven crackdown by Belgium’s nationalist government. A 2011 Facebook post fuels much of the fear—written by Francken while he was still a senator.
"So he mentioned the Jewish community, the Indian community and the Chinese community as being of added value economically. And then he spoke about the Moroccan, Congolese and Algerian community as being not economically productive for this country. So this is why the people gather,"said Ted Bwatu, a financial consultant and activist.
The popularity of far right parties has seen a rise in Belgium—as the numbers of migrants coming to Europe has increased. Anti-immigration sentiment is also on the rise, even in culturally diverse cities like Brussels.
Belgians of Congolese descent say the battles they helped Belgium fight during two world wars is often forgotten, and that today’s efforts to integrate new migrants should go hand in hand with promoting tolerance for older generations who still feel isolated.
Despite these communities using the occasion of International Migrant Day to celebrate their diversity, they also have a strong political message for the Belgian government.