Prisme, Walloon LGBTQ+ federation, has highlighted “numerous shortcomings” in the support available for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking international protection in Belgium, coinciding with Saturday’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
The Walloon federation points to a “lack of appropriate infrastructure, staff training, financial resources, and information on the specific realities faced by LGBTQ+ people.”
Based on discussions with affected individuals, front-line workers, and association members, Prisme notes that conditions in reception centres often lead to psychological, physical, and sexual violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
The federation advocates for the creation of dedicated centres for non-cisgender-conforming people to prevent violence and ensure a safe environment.
Prisme also highlights the “very limited budgets” under which most associations supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers operate.
The report by Prisme also identifies a significant lack of training among professionals interacting with asylum seekers. Staff at the General Commissariat for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRA), responsible for granting asylum, need increased awareness, according to Prisme’s findings.
Interviewees call for transparency in the CGRA’s procedures, as many associations wish to contribute as trainers but are unaware of how the CGRA develops its assessment frameworks or determines vulnerability criteria.
The Walloon federation seeks “political support” to train staff at reception centres and allocate resources to front-line associations and Rainbow Houses, enabling these entities to offer activities that help LGBTQ+ people feel included in society.
