Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs

In this unprecedented situation, it is legitimate that Member States adopt extraordinary measures to protect their citizens and overcome the crisis. We are however deeply concerned about the risk of violations of the principles of rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights arising from the adoption of certain emergency measures. 

Countries around the world are taking action to contain the coronavirus and end the pandemic. Many have put in place mandatory quarantine measures or have closed their borders. As a result normal border crossing can no longer be guaranteed. Many airlines are also drastically reducing the number of flights they offer. Consequently, the risk that Belgian citizens get stuck in a foreign country is becoming a lot higher. We therefore advise against any travel abroad.

Many materials are located in fragile countries and benefit the population too little. This is why the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has been trying to make the money flows in the mining sector more transparent, as well as more valuable for the population, since 2003. Belgium is supporting the initiative.

At the request of the Greek government, Belgium has decided to send humanitarian goods through the B-FAST emergency mechanism. Greece called on the European coordination mechanism to assist them tackling the humanitarian emergency linked to the growing migratory pressure at their borders.

The downing of Flight MH17 on 17 July 2014 claimed the lives of 298 victims, including 6 Belgian citizens. Their families deserve to know the truth.

March 8 marks International Women's Rights Day. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Philippe Goffin, assures that Belgium continues to be actively involved worldwide for the protection and promotion of the rights of women and girls. On Friday, March 6, Minister Goffin reaffirmed this commitment by organising an event at the Egmont Palace entitled "The Ambassadors of Belgian Diversity", which highlights the importance of women's rights and diversity to a diverse audience of representatives from government, parliament, civil society, the private sector and some 50 ambassadors accredited in Brussels.

Tropical forests are gradually losing their capacity to store carbon. If no timely action is taken, they could even start emitting carbon by 2035. This is demonstrated by a large-scale study in which the AfricaMuseum played a leading role.

Belgium has released 457 000 euros to the FAO to help vulnerable populations in Haiti affected by a severe drought.