Belgium
Belgium regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. Recent initiatives to improve hate crime identification, recording and data collection have been implemented through ODIHR's Information Against Hate Crimes Toolkit (INFAHCT) programme. In particular, Belgium has implemented the programme's recommendations on the operational practice of police, prosecutors, and equality bodies.
Crime victimization surveys and research are frequently conducted in Belgium. "Safe.brussels", the Brussels public service responsible for crime prevention and security within the Brussels-Capital Region, conducts surveys on the perception of security and crime victimization among the general public every two years.
OFFICIAL DATA REPORTED BY STATES
| Year | Hate crimes recorded by police | Prosecuted | Sentenced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,839 | 1,222 | Not available |
| 2022 | 1,682 | 1,263 | Not available |
| 2021 | 1,591 | 1,357 | Not available |
| 2020 | 1750 | 1334 | 80 |
| 2019 | 1568 | 1371 | 103 |
| 2018 | 1446 | 1006 | 72 |
| 2017 | 875 | 60 | 56 |
| 2016 | 845 | 70 | 59 |
| 2015 | 881 | 69 | 56 |
| 2014 | 1064 | 76 | 61 |
| 2013 | 375 | 822 | 45 |
| 2012 | 615 | 893 | 66 |
| 2011 | 1152 | 865 | 75 |
| 2010 | 815 | 860 | Not available |
| 2009 | 1198 | 974 | Not available |
About 2021 Data
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In addition to hate crimes, the numbers reported here also include other types of "discrimination" incidents, which can fall outside of the OSCE's definition of hate crime. Some cases may have been registered several times by the police, such as when there was more than one victim, whereas the prosecution register such cases only once.
Hate crime recorded by police
The numbers below represent all incidents recorded by the police and sent to the criminal prosecutor's office.
KEY OBSERVATION
ODIHR recognizes Belgium's efforts to improve its hate crime recording mechanism. Based on the available information, ODIHR observes that Belgium's hate crime recording and statistics do not sufficiently distinguish hate crimes from other crimes. In addition, ODIHR observes that Belgium would benefit from reviewing the existing legal framework in order to ensure that bias motivations can be effectively acknowledged and appropriate penalties can be imposed on the perpetrators.
ODIHR recalls that in the Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, OSCE participating States agreed to a common definition of hate crime and committed to collecting reliable data and statistics on such crimes. To that end, hate crimes need to be distinguished throughout the recording and data collection process from crimes of discrimination. Participating States have also committed to enacting specific, tailored legislation to combat hate crimes, providing for effective penalties that take into account the gravity of such crimes. ODIHR stands ready to support Belgium in meeting its relevant commitments through the provision of comprehensive resources and tailored assistance in the area of hate crime recording and data collection, as well as through further resources and tailored legislative advice.
INCIDENTS REPORTED BY CIVIL SOCIETY
Racist and xenophobic hate crime
| Date | Type of incident | Source | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-08 | Violent attacks against people | CCIB
|
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| 2021-12 | Threats/Harassment | CCIB
|
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| 2021-10 | Attacks against property | CCIB
|
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| 2021-02 | Threats/Harassment | CCIB
|
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Anti-Muslim hate crime
| Date | Type of incident | Source | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-01 | Threats/Harassment | CCIB
|
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| 2021-03 | Violent attacks against people | CCIB
|
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| 2021-06 | Threats/Harassment | CCIB
|
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| 2021-08 | Violent attacks against people | CCIB
|
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| 2021-10 | Attacks against property | CCIB
|
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| 2021-08 | Threats/Harassment | CCIB
|
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| 2021-04 | Violent attacks against people | CCIB
|
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| 2021-04 | Violent attacks against people | CCIB
|
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| 2021-02 | Threats/Harassment | CCIB
|
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Anti-Christian hate crime
| Date | Type of incident | Source | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-10 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021-12 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021-06 | Attacks against property | Jehovah's Witnesses
|
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| 2021-07 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021-08 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021-07 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021-07 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021-08 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021-08 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021-10 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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| 2021 | Attacks against property | OIDAC
|
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