Asylum seekers occupied a vacant building on the Solbosch campus of ULB in Ixelles on Friday night only to be ejected soon after.
Over a hundred asylum seekers, along with members of the collective Stop Crisis Shelter, decided unilaterally to occupy a building on the Solbosch campus, according to ULB. While ULB maintains its support for the fight to offer dignified shelter to all asylum seekers without distinction, it has reminded responsible political authorities of their international obligations.
However, with the building earmarked for a university initiative, the occupants were asked to voluntarily leave the premises. They refused and ULB sought assistance from the local police to end the occupation and continue its activities. The institution confirmed that the eviction was carried out smoothly and without violence. It said that there were no arrests, although Stop Crisis Shelter claims three people were apprehended.
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Earlier in the evening, the Stop Crisis Shelter collective announced their choice to occupy a ULB building in the hope of finding commitment and support from the university and students. They argue that universities play a critical role in shaping the society of tomorrow and should take a stand against state crimes.
The group the lack of asylum accommodation and described the distress of asylum seekers not housed in shelters as inhumane, likening it to physical and mental torture. They estimate that around 3,000 individuals seeking international protection are currently homeless, an increase of 800 to 1,000 from last year.
