Brussels/Geneva – Belgium has officially announced its candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the term 2031-2033.
The country’s bid was confirmed on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, coinciding with Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot’s presence in Geneva for the opening of the Council’s 58th session.
Belgium, which has been a member of the Council since 2023 and will continue to serve until 2026, aims to secure another term, reinforcing its commitment to global human rights advocacy.
A Firm Stand on Human Rights
While attending the session in Geneva, Prévot outlined Belgium’s key human rights priorities, emphasizing the nation’s unwavering opposition to the death penalty.
The country, along with seven other states, is set to introduce a new resolution on the issue before the UNHRC in September.
“The defence of human rights is much more than a priority, it is a moral responsibility,” Prévot stated. “Today, in the four corners of the world, these rights are increasingly flouted: the rights of women, of the LGBTQIA+ community, all forms of racism.”
Prévot reaffirmed Belgium’s strong stance against capital punishment, declaring, “We will continue to fight for a world where justice and compassion prevail over violence.”
Belgium’s Human Rights Agenda
During its current term on the Council, Belgium has focused on several key issues, including the rule of law, children’s rights, the protection of human rights defenders, and gender equality.
These priorities are expected to remain central to Belgium’s campaign for the 2031-2033 term. Belgium has long positioned itself as an advocate for human rights on the international stage.
The country has actively supported initiatives promoting democracy, freedom of expression, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
In particular, Belgium has played a crucial role in efforts to strengthen international laws governing human rights abuses and has consistently supported UN mechanisms aimed at addressing global humanitarian crises.
Strategic Campaign for UNHRC Membership
The candidacy announcement marks the beginning of a long campaign process, as elections for the 2031-2033 term will not take place for several years.
If successful, Belgium would continue its engagement in global human rights governance beyond its current term.
By formally declaring its candidacy this early, Belgium is signaling its long-term commitment to international human rights diplomacy.
The country’s bid will be subject to voting by the UN General Assembly, where nations compete for the 47-member intergovernmental body tasked with addressing human rights violations worldwide.
With its track record of advocacy and legislative action on human rights issues, Belgium is likely to present itself as a strong contender for the seat.
The nation’s leadership in promoting the abolition of the death penalty and advancing global equality efforts is expected to play a pivotal role in securing international support.
As Belgium prepares to submit its resolution against capital punishment in September, its candidacy announcement underscores its determination to remain a leading voice in the global human rights arena.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
