Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Brussels, Beguinage Church hosted Afghan asylum seekers not entitled to official shelter while House of Compassion and BelRefugees support them through the campaign “No children on the streets Period”.
As VRT News reported, in Brussels, the Beguinage Church has opened its doors to provide overnight shelter for several asylum seekers, not entitled to shelter. An Afghan family was among those staying at the church. They were already recognised as refugees in Greece.
How is Brussels’ Beguinage Church helping Afghan refugees in urgent need?
Joost Depotter from the Flemish Refugee Council said the family faces serious difficulties. He explained that refugees in Greece often experience harassment and discrimination. One of the children in the family needs medical care that was not available in Greece.
Father Daniel Alliet has been leading the refugee shelter at Brussels’ Beguinage Church for several years. Joost Depotter said Alliet learned that a family with children was sleeping on the streets and wanted to help.
“A child should never have to sleep on the streets,”
Depotter added.
Currently, one family is staying at the Beguinage Church. Reports indicate that more asylum seekers may arrive soon. Depotter said the recent court ruling ensures that vulnerable families with young children cannot be evicted.
Father Daniel Alliet has been helping refugees at the Beguinage Church in Brussels for over 20 years. The church has a long history of sheltering people in need. In 1998, after the death of Nigerian asylum seeker Semira Adamu during a deportation attempt, the church became a refuge for undocumented migrants. Father Alliet opened the doors to offer protection and support. In 2014, the church again welcomed Afghan refugees, continuing its tradition of helping vulnerable families.
