Dear Brussels resident,
It is with growing concern that we, several Brussels-based organisations inspired by the Gospel, observe that solidarity is increasingly being presented as having fixed and unavoidable limits. As if it were inevitable that not everyone can be helped, that some people must be left behind, and that we should simply accept this.
This way of thinking is far from abstract. Today, it results in harsh realities where people are quite literally left behind. In Brussels, people sleep on the streets because access to shelter is no longer guaranteed, because there is said to be “no space”. This is not a law of nature, but the consequence of choices.
We are also seriously worried about the policies currently being implemented and those announced for the future. Vulnerable people risk being pushed further into poverty, the pressure on Public Social Welfare Centres continues to increase, and fundamental social rights are under growing strain. In this way, we are not only dismantling social systems, but also something essential to our humanity and our cohesion.
From our faith convictions, but also simply as citizens, we cannot and do not want to accept this. That is why we clearly affirm:
Solidarity must never be interpreted in a restrictive way that excludes certain people. On the contrary, it must be broad enough to respect the dignity of every human being.
We invite you to share this message with us throughout the coming year: in words and in actions, by showing concrete solidarity, but also by continuing to put pressure on political decision-makers so that they take decisions that consider the most vulnerable. True progress is only possible if we choose to leave no one behind. Let us work together in this direction in 2026.
In a spirit of solidarity and determination,
The Brussels Council for Solidarity, composed of: Ria Dereymaeker (CCV), Edward Bekaert (Bruxelles Accueil Porte Ouverte), Geneviève Frère (House of Compassion), Daan Lambrechts (Welzijnszorg), Marie-Françoise Boveroulle (Vicariat de Bruxelles), Els van Doren (Chiro), Stijn Van Tongerloo (NRV), Laura Vercammen (Broederlijk Delen), Franciska Aelbrecht (ORBIT vzw), Tijs De Geyndt (Beweging.net), Daniel Alliet (House of Compassion) & Johnny De Mot (Goede Bijstand, Paulusgemeenschappen Brussel)
To read the original version of the letter in French and Dutch, click here.
© Photo taken by Amnesty in front of House of Compassion
