Belgium
Belgium has seen a dramatic rise in the number of asylum seekers from Iraq, followed by Serbia Montenegro, Nepal, Armenia and Rwanda. In 2005, a third of all asylum applications were made by women. Since the beginning of 2005, asylum seekers have been more systematically detained in order to facilitate the transfer of Dublin cases to other EU countries.
Azekel
Azekel. fled his home in Angola without knowing where he was going, and ended up in Belgium where he was put in detention, despite his poor health. Since he was smuggled into Belgium on an Italian visa, he was subject to the Dublin Regulation.
Cecilia
Cecilia is 29 and fled Sudan in 1995 after witnessing the murder of her family. She is living without status in Belgium and is terrified of being sent back to Sudan.
Barry
Barry fled political persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo and claimed asylum in Belgium. When his application was refused he was detained with his wife and small baby.
