Nearly one in two young people (46.5%) in Belgium say they have faced prejudice and discrimination, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the Forum des Jeunes.
The Forum gathered testimonies from nearly 1,200 French-speaking people aged 16 to 30 for its survey, entitled 'Listening to Young People for a Fairer and More Inclusive Society.'
Respondents included young people with disabilities, unaccompanied foreign minors, those not in employment, education, or training, and LGBTQIA+ youth.
Regardless of minority status, 82% of young people feel disadvantaged due to their age, the Forum des Jeunes (Young People's Forum) found.
The survey also reveals that nearly three in ten young people (29%) are unaware of their rights. Respondents called for simplified administrative procedures and better information on their rights through appropriate channels.
They demanded better training for professionals working with youth in addressing issues of discrimination and inclusion.
The survey also emphasises the need for improved accessibility in public infrastructure and transport.
Young people want public services to be more inclusive, employ pictograms and train employees accordingly.
They advocate enhanced access to recreational activities by adapting infrastructure and promoting inclusive sports.
“The survey clearly shows that discrimination is compounded when it intersects with different forms of prejudice," the Forum stressed. "An intersectional approach is essential to understand and combat these issues.”
