Woluwe-Saint-Lambert has criticised the "inaction of the responsible ministers" over the eviction threat facing around 60 undocumented individuals, including nine children, in the municipality.
The group has been occupying a vacant building belonging to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OEACP) in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert since early August.
On 29 August, a magistrate ordered the end of the "unauthorised occupation" of the building located on Avenue Georges Henri. The ruling allows the bailiff to "use public force if necessary to evict the occupants."
The office of outgoing mayor Olivier Maingain (DéFI) stated that it had "taken all possible measures to mitigate the consequences of the court’s decision."
The commune highlights the fact that it does not have the power to oppose the court ruling.
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Mangain has asked outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib (MR) to take measures to support the occupants in the event of their eviction, in the context of the building's diplomatic protection status.
However, "despite a reminder sent on 30 September, the minister never responded."
The mayor’s office also reached out to the OEACP to arrange a meeting with the occupants, but this was also unsuccessful.
They then called on the Brussels Minister of Social Action Alain Maron (Ecolo) to take steps to relocate the residents.
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"It is not the municipality’s responsibility to handle duties that fall under higher authorities. Given the special status of this building, it is up to Minister Hadja Lahbib – in coordination with the competent regional minister – to decide on further action regarding this matter," concluded the municipality of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
The collective 'Roza Nera – Zone Neutre' represents the inhabitants and says that police regularly visit the site to "intimidate" the residents. It also emphasises the fact that this is not an isolated issue. Thousands of undocumented people are forced to live in squats or sleep rough without any state support.
