| MS | Title | Partners | Description | More details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Belgian Network of Ombudsmen |
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The online portal Ombudsman.be is an initiative by the Belgian Network of Ombudsmen that guides citizens to the appropriate ombudsman for their specific issues, whether involving organisations in the public, private or semi-private sectors. The network includes various ombudsman offices working at the federal, regional and community levels. Each operates independently to review complaints, seek solutions and improve service quality by addressing problematic situations. The network has also adopted important resolutions to enhance citizens’ rights. One advocates for the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right, essential for accessing information and services. Another calls for legal recognition of the right to make mistakes, promoting a supportive and educational approach to administrative errors. These efforts reflect the network’s commitment to fairness, transparency and accessibility in public administration and services. |
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| Belgium | Cooperation among members of the Platform on Human Rights |
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In Belgium, the informal Platform on Human Rights gathers the different Belgian stakeholders with a human rights protection mandate based in nationallaw. The platform meets monthly and has a six-month rotating presidency. The members of this platform often work together on topics that are of common interest. For example, in July 2023, Unia, the CCSP/CTRG and FIRM sent ajoint communicationto the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe concerning the group of casesL.B. vBelgium, which referred to detention in the psychiatric wards of prison establishments. In September 2023, FIRM, Myria, the Combat Poverty, Insecurity and Social Exclusion Service, Unia, the Federal Ombudsman, the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, the Flemish Office of the Children’s Rights Commissioner and the General Delegate for Children’s Rights wrotejoint lettersinviting European bodies and the UN to examine human rights violations in the context of the reception crisis in Belgium, which left many asylum seekers without reception due to the lack of reception places in the country. In October 2023, the Combat Poverty, Insecurity and Social Exclusion Service, FIRM, Unia, Myria, the Flemish Office of the Children’s Rights Commissioner and the General Delegate for Children’s Rights published ajoint position paperon the just transition and human rights, in which they called for, among other things, transition policies to take into account the needs of vulnerable populations and the participation of vulnerable groups in policymaking and decision-making. |
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National human rights structures navigator
Cooperation mechanisms
This section provides examples of how national human rights structures collaborate to implement EU law. The protection and promotion of human rights within the EU require collective action across various structures and mandates. The mapping offers practical cases of cooperation designed to facilitate peer learning, although it does not claim to be exhaustive. Effective national human rights frameworks depend on both formal and informal collaboration among key stakeholders, including human rights statutory bodies, civil society organisations, government bodies, and parliamentary committees. Such partnerships promote coordinated efforts and the exchange of expertise, enhance rights awareness, help operationalise human rights principles, address gaps in protection, and reduce unnecessary duplication. The Tool includes two examples for each country, with supplementary details and, when available, additional practices under "more information." The Practices section outlines mechanisms that support cooperation among stakeholders, such as formal and informal arrangements. These mechanisms include collaborative working relationships, joint initiatives, memoranda of understanding, protocols, and advisory councils.