The Federal Institute for Human Rights (IFDH) has initiated an investigation into how Belgian authorities implement court decisions, responding to ongoing concerns about judicial inefficiency.

This investigation comes in light of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) highlighting systemic shortcomings in Belgium's execution of court decisions, which indicates a serious issue.

Belgium's judicial system has been criticized for its slow processes, severe prison overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions, leading to numerous condemnations since early 2022.

The backlog of judicial cases has raised alarms, with prison populations often reaching record levels, exacerbating the already critical situation.

Human rights organizations have been vocal in their criticism of Belgium's inaction regarding these judicial decisions, underscoring the need for reform.

The investigation will specifically examine unexecuted decisions against Belgian authorities from 2014 to 2024, incorporating insights from NGOs and legal experts.

Notably, decisions made by the ECHR will not be part of this investigation due to their distinct follow-up procedures within the Council of Europe.

Pierre-Arnaud Perrouty, director of the Ligue des droits humains (LDH), has welcomed the IFDH's initiative, deeming it crucial for the health of democracy in Belgium.

Perrouty has emphasized the importance of the government respecting judicial decisions, referencing past illegal actions by officials regarding asylum policies.

Upon completion of the investigation, a report will be submitted to the federal parliament, potentially influencing future policy changes.

The Belgian state has faced approximately 10,000 judgments condemning its management of the reception crisis, highlighting the urgency for systemic reform.