NEW REPORT! BIRMM researchers highlight impact of Covid-19 measures on migrants, refugees and ethnic minorities

VUB researchers member of the BIRMM network assessed the fundamental rights implications of the COVID-19 measures taken by the Belgian government for the European Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). The VUB Fundamental Rights Centre is the national contractor for the FRA. The researchers (Amy Weatherburn, Julia Zomignani and Marijke De Pauw) show the strong impact on vulnerable groups, amongst which importantly refugees, migrants and ethnic minorities. They point to the human rights violations for refugees because of the closure of the asylum reception centres and the cancellations of the interviews. Human rights of detained migrants are also at risk because of the impossibility for NGOs to visit immigration detention centres. Ethnic minorities, particularly of Asian origin have also been particularly targeted by discriminatory acts.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE.