Çavaria, the federation for all Flemish LGBTQ+ associations, has condemned the Federal Government's decision to slash the budget for Belgium's anti-discrimination body.
The Belgian Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism's (UNIA) budget will be cut by 25% as part of the new Federal Government's plan to make savings. Çavaria came out in strong opposition to the decision on Friday.
"If the government truly wants to end violence and discrimination, we need strong institutions to support victims and ensure reports of discrimination and violence remain low," the organisation stated.
Çavaria also expressed concern about the government agreement’s impact on vulnerable LGBTQ+ individuals, such as refugees. The organisation also highlighted the lack of recognition of non-binary individuals in the agreement.
UNIA itself has pointed out that the budget cut may violate an EU Directive that aims to strengthen their mandate, powers, independence and financing of equality bodies.
"We strongly disagree with this decision and with any decision that weakens equality bodies, especially as the current socio-economic and geopolitical context only increases tensions, polarisation, discrimination and hate speech and crimes," it stated.
