Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2018/09/12

Executive Director of the ‘Refugee Rights Europe’ group Marta Welander told Radio Islam that the majority of refugees who find themselves in the capital of Belgium, Brussels are living in horrific conditions.

Welander says Belgium has taken a hard-line stance with regards to the refugee situation coupled with restricted legislation.

“The state cannot and will not take responsibility for individuals who do not apply for asylum on Belgium territory and this is particularly problematic because many of the people in Brussels are hoping to continue on to Britain and they therefore don’t present themselves to the authorities with an asylum claim.”

Welander adds that due to this approach, Belgium has decided that the refugees are not eligible for shelter.

“They rely on food handouts, and they rely on the goodwill of local people who take them in at times to their own homes.”

Welander says that the combination of these factors creates a situation of immense hardship facing displaced people in Brussels, right in the heart of Europe.

Listen To The Full Interview Below: