BRUSSELS

The Federal Institute for Human Rights (IFDH) warned Wednesday of an "insidious and worrying" erosion of the rule of law in Belgium, citing growing concerns over the country's adherence to fundamental democratic principles.

In its latest report on the state of human rights and the rule of law, presented to members of parliament and the federal government at the opening of the parliamentary session, the IFDH pointed to several shortcomings, including the failure to enforce court rulings and insufficient resources allocated for enforcement.

The institute also criticized the increasing use of administrative sanctions and growing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, such as the right to protest and freedom of expression.

"The rule of law is one of the cornerstones of a fair and functional society but today it is under threat, including within the European Union. ... Even in established democracies, certain fundamental principles seem to be eroding. Vigilance is therefore required, including in Belgium," it warned.

The IFDH urged the executive branch to place human rights and the rule of law at the heart of policymaking, warning that "measures that erode human rights, even when they appear well-intentioned or pragmatic, can undermine the legitimacy of policies in the long term."

It also called on parliamentarians to hold the government accountable whenever the principles of the rule of law are at risk, and encouraged legislators to build safeguards into law to ensure compliance with human rights obligations.