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Hunger Strike and Sit-in of Iranians in Belgium in Support of Refugees - 2003-11-02

Feb 9, 2026 February 9, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Iranians in Belgium are staging a hunger strike and sit-in to protest human rights violations in Iran and the Belgian government's negotiations regarding the deportation of Iranian asylum seekers. The Iranian Refugees Council is organizing a rally on November 8 to unite Iranians and other nationalities in support of these causes. This event highlights the ongoing struggles of Iranian refugees and the need for international awareness.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The hunger strike and sit-in by Iranian refugees in Belgium aim to draw attention to human rights violations in Iran and oppose deportations.

👥 Key Players

Iranian Refugees Council MENTIONED
Organizer of the protest
"They represent the interests and rights of Iranian refugees in Belgium and advocate against human rights abuses in Iran."
Belgian Government MENTIONED
Negotiators regarding asylum policies
"Their decisions directly impact the fate of Iranian asylum seekers and reflect Belgium's stance on human rights and refugee issues."

📰 What Happened

Over 250 Iranians in Belgium have been participating in a sit-in for more than 50 days, with 31 on a hunger strike for 11 days, protesting against human rights violations in Iran and the Belgian government's potential deportation of Iranian asylum seekers. A rally is planned for November 8 to unite support for these causes.

  • 250 Iranians are involved in a sit-in at ULB and UCL universities.
  • The protest aims to raise awareness about human rights violations in Iran and oppose deportations.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The protest underscores the ongoing human rights abuses in Iran and the plight of refugees fleeing these conditions.
🌍 Regional: It highlights the challenges faced by Iranian refugees in Europe and may influence regional policies on asylum.
🌐 International: The situation calls for greater international attention to human rights in Iran and the treatment of refugees in Europe.

📚 Background

Iran has faced significant human rights criticisms, particularly regarding the treatment of political dissidents and asylum seekers. The plight of refugees fleeing such conditions is a pressing issue in Europe.

Human rights in Iran Asylum policies in Europe
📡 Source: OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article reflects the views of Iranian opposition groups, which may emphasize human rights violations and downplay any positive aspects of the Iranian government.

250 of our compatriots at ULB and UCL universities have been on sit-in for over 50 days. 31 of them have completed their eleventh day of hunger strike. The Iranian Refugees Council plans to hold a large rally consisting of all Iranian refugees residing in Belgium and other Iranians alongside other nationalities on November 8. It is evident that the more magnificent the demonstration and the greater the number of participants, the more achievements it will yield. Therefore, you are invited to actively participate in this demonstration. We welcome the support of all parties, organizations, associations, and political, literary, cultural, artistic, and sports figures. Our goals for holding this demonstration include: protesting human rights violations in Iran, opposing the Belgian government's negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the expulsion of compatriots seeking asylum from Belgium and their mass deportation to the hell of the mullahs, making Belgian officials aware of the current insecurity in Iran, and demonstrating our unity and solidarity in support of the rightful struggles of the people of Iran, including students, women, and youth. The starting point of the demonstration will be in front of the Petit Château camp, and the ending point will be in front of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees located on Boulevard Albert 2, Brussels. The demonstration will take place on Saturday, November 8, at 1 PM.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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