Here it rises a stone tree among real fir trees. It stands with the park as a solid base. This is the Human Rights Monument.
In 2018, the Rights of Man celebrated their 70th anniversary. This was a fitting occasion to inaugurate the Human Rights Monument. It stands here in the Tour & Taxis Park. Landscape architect Bas Smets gave the monument several layers of meaning.
The twelve-meter-high marble obelisk consists of thirty colored stones. These stones contain all the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They are written in French, Dutch, German, and English. The versatile color palette of the obelisk was meticulously determined. The colors represent the diversity of rights. They also show the richness of cultures in our society.
The darker bottom evolves into a lighter top stone. It blends into the colors of the clouds. The gradation literally directs your gaze upwards.
The obelisk was created through intensive consultation. Human rights organizations, political parties, architects, and contractors debated with each other. Together, they built the collective memory of the city. The architect highlights the need for interdisciplinarity and cooperation.
This landscape intervention is an invitation. It literally challenges us to change our perspective. Take a step closer to the Human Rights Monument. Let yourself be inspired.
The Brussels-Capital Region financed the monument. It cost 140,000 euros. Céline Frémault is the region’s minister for the environment. She said that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is very important. It deserved to be materialized in a public space. This Human Rights Monument allows schools and youth groups to work on these crucial issues.
The Human Rights Monument consists of a stack of 30 colored stones. It includes all the articles of the declaration in four languages.
Amnesty International published a report for the declaration’s 70th anniversary. It says fundamental rights are under pressure in Europe. It also says Belgium is not rising to the challenge of human rights.
The NGO points to Wallonia’s sale of arms to Saudi Arabia. It mentions Belgium’s support for the UN migration pact. It also mentions deplorable prison conditions exacerbated by prison officer strikes.
Amnesty is critical of Belgium’s immigration policy. It mentions the detention of children with their families. This happens in a new closed unit in Steenokkerzeel near Zaventem airport.
Philippe Hesmans is Amnesty International’s Belgian director. He said that Belgium has returned to this shameful practice. It is contrary to the best interests of children. People are forced to sleep on the streets. This is because of the limitation of the daily number of asylum applications.