Committee: United Nations Social, Humanitarian and Cultural

Country: Belgium
Topic: Creating a legal and cultural framework to protect and uphold the rights of LGBT people

The Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender community (LGBT) has been heavily scrutinized
and discriminated all over the world. Their choice to be in an intimate relationship with partners
from the same gender is considered a blasphemy against religion and in many societies, which is
a direct violation to their freedom of speech. According to Amnesty International, everyone
should be entitled to human rights regardless of their gender identity (Amnesty International).
Recognizing the need to protect the LGBT community and ensure equal rights for them, Belgium
legalized marriage between homosexual couples in 2003, becoming the second country to do so
after Netherlands (Taylor, 2015). Belgium also elected its first openly homosexual Prime
Minister, Elio Di Rupo in 2011 (Jackson, 2011). He remarked that punishing someone for their
sexuality and religion is intolerable.
In addition to legalizing gay marriage, Belgium also supports a homosexual couples
right to parent children. In 2005, Belgium approved the right for homosexual parents to adopt
children in order to give them a good upbringing and thus, gave them the same rights as
heterosexual couples (BBC News, 2006).
In regards to transgender people, Belgium faced criticism for having the highest amount
of discrimination against them especially in the labor force. However, Belgium also has more
transgender people trying to look for jobs when compared to other countries and is also touted as
one of the countries where trans-men and trans-women can be more free and open (The Brussels
Times, 2015).
Being a strong supporter of LGBT rights, Belgium applauds the recent reforms on
legalizing marriages for homosexuals. Belgium also believes that homophobia is a global
problem and needs to be curbed in order for the society to progress further. The criminalization
of homosexuals is simply an aggressive form of homophobia. One major reason for homophobia
has been the various religious interpretations. In many countries, homosexuality is punishable by
death which not only violates a persons freedom of speech but also his or her basic human right;
the right to fall in love (Human Rights Watch, 2015).
Every person has the right to fall in love with someone regardless of their genders.
Prosecuting and alienating them on the basis of their sexuality is not only discriminating but also
leaves heavy psychological impact into the minds of the homosexuals and transgender people.
Therefore, Belgium stands for equal rights and protection of the LGBT community in order to
uphold humanity and human rights.

Committee: United Nations Social, Humanitarian and Cultural

Country: Belgium
Topic: The preservation of cultural and heritage sites
Belgium currently has eleven of its cultural heritage listed on UNESCOs World Heritage List.
Belgium is known for its famous cultural sites like Belfries of Belgium and France, Flemish
Beguinages, Historic Centre of Brugge and many more. Sites like Belfries are popular for
portraying the artistic architecture of the thirteenth century Europe (UNESCO). Belfries is also a
symbol of independence and links religious and secular beliefs. Sites like Flemish Beguinages
not only have outstanding architecture but are also a representative of the rich Belgian culture
and are affiliated with the religious movements in the Middle East.
Each of the World Heritage Sites in Belgium represents the traditions and culture which
are deemed very highly. These sites hold historic significance for Belgium. The Heritage Code
attempts to protect and preserve the cultural sites by coordinating the roles of the owners of the
properties. Local authorities are responsible for the management