Despite political rhetoric promising solutions, houselessness1 is an increasingly visible problem in Belgium. Instead of benefiting from a supportive approach, houseless people are often confronted with repressive measures that exacerbate their precariousness. In a Policy Brief published on April 07, ASF sheds light on this worrying dynamic and proposes recommendations for a more humane and effective management of houselessness as part of the Global Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty and Status.
Repressive measures, far from guaranteeing lasting solutions to houselessness, perpetuate a vicious circle of stigmatsation and social exclusion, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Criminalising poverty only worsens existing inequalities. Instead of protecting the most vulnerable, these repressive practices also reinforce their marginalisation.
The consequences of such measures are dramatic: high human and financial costs, increased stigmatisation, and worsening precariousness. In the face of this punitive approach, this Policy Brief puts forward several recommendations for a more inclusive approach, respectful of human rights and focused on social justice.
Recommendations
- Ending the criminalisation of the houseless for being who they are
The first set of recommendations concerns local authorities, who play a key role in managing houselessness. It is imperative to abolish anti-mendicancy by-laws and other repressive legislation that criminalise behaviours directly linked to poverty, such as sleeping rough or occupying abandoned premises. The Policy Brief also calls for a review of administrative sanction policies, which only aggravate the situation by pushing people further into debt and precariousness.
Municipalities must also standardise access to social rights and guarantee appropriate care for the houseless people. Discriminatory practices must be abandoned, and the CPAS (Centres Publics d’Action Sociale) must offer fair access to social assistance, particularly for new comers.
Finally, it is essential to guarantee a preventive, rather than repressive, approach in the police services, and to reinforce the training of police forces and local administrations to fight against the criminalisation of houselessness.
- Deconstructing prejudice and the stigmatisation of the houseless people
Another important element in the fight against the criminalisation of houselessness is the deconstruction of prejudices, particularly those that stigmatise people based on their origin, social status, or state of health. The media, political leaders and civil society play a crucial role in disseminating a counter-narrative based on human dignity and social justice.
Discriminatory discourse must be actively combated, and the voice of the houseless people must be at the centre of debates so that their real needs are heard and taken into account in the development of public policies.
- Tackling the structural causes of houselessness
The Policy Brief stresses the importance of guaranteeing access to housing for all, drawing on successful models such as the Housing First programme. This provides immediate access to housing with appropriate support and has already proved its worth in several countries.
Social housing must also be strengthened, with policies to keep people in housing that protect them from eviction and guarantee suitable alternatives if they lose their home. Rent controls and increased housing subsidies are essential to prevent housing insecurity.
In addition, there is an urgent need to rethink the use of prison for minor offences and to strengthen alternatives to imprisonment, particularly for the homeless. At the same time, we need better treatment for mental disorders and addictions. Repression of alcohol- or drug-related behaviour must be replaced by appropriate support systems that provide effective medical and social care.
Finally, it is recommended that policies concerning undocumented migrants and asylum seekers be revised, in particular by advocating regularisation measures and unconditional access to accommodation.
To put an end to the criminalisation of the houselessness, Belgium needs to adopt a radically different approach, based on inclusion, dignity and access to social rights. The proposed reforms aim to put an end to the punitive logic and tackle the root causes of poverty.
- In this study, the terms ‘houselessness’ and ‘houseless’ are used instead of ‘homelessness’ and ‘homeless’, which are often seen as too simplistic or as having negative connotations. These new names give greater recognition to the diversity of situations and backgrounds of the people concerned, while promoting a more inclusive and respectful approach.
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