2023-07-23 16:17:00

The overall population of the Brussels-Capital Region has increased by more than 27% between 2000 and 2022. Much more than the national average (12.5%) during the same period. This demographic growth applies in particular to minors: the number of young people aged 0 to 17 has thus increased from 202,000 (figures rounded to facilitate reading) to nearly 274,000 in 22 years, an increase of 35%!

By comparison, in two decades, the population of people under 18 has remained fairly stable in Wallonia, going from 742,400 to nearly 746,000 minors, i.e. a surplus of 3,445 young people (+0.46%)

On the other hand, the number of young Flemish people has collapsed during the same years, falling from 1.2 million in 2000 to 894,000 in 2022, a drop of 27%.

The north of the country is graying more

These figures compiled by the Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis provide an idea of ​​the relative proportion of the population aged 0-17 in each Region of the country. On January 1, 2023, young people thus represented 22% of Brussels citizens (compared to 21% in 2000), or roughly the same proportion as in Wallonia (20%, compared to 22% in 2000). In the north of the country, which is graying more, those under 18 now represent only 13% of Flemish people, whereas they were still 20% in 2000.

The youth care sector is collapsing

Objective data on which the Brussels Intrasectoral Consultation Committee (CCIS) relied to draft the opinion that it must submit each year to the Minister in charge of Youth Assistance on the needs of the judicial district in terms of prevention, assistance and protection of babies, children and adolescents.

Under the radar

If the Brussels-Capital Region concentrates proportionally the largest number of young people, it is also made up of a population which clearly presents indicators of significant fragility, both at the social and psychological level, points out the CCIS, a body notably composed of representatives of the SAJ (Youth Assistance Service) and the SPJ (Judicial Protection Service) as well as youth judges.

Grumbles once morest the reform of the Youth sector

More than in other regions of the country, young people there live in difficult social conditions, including undocumented children or unaccompanied minors who go under the radar. The need for help is therefore even more necessary in Brussels than elsewhere and the situations to be taken care of are more complex, which requires more investment in time and human resources.

Among the young French-speakers supported by Youth Aid, 25.6% live in Brussels. That is more than 5,000 children in difficulty and in danger cared for by the SAJ (2,528) or the juvenile court (2,624).

The principals agree that the help offered to adolescents is insufficient, whether in residential or outpatient services. The waiting lists in the support services and the insufficiency of specific structures for teenagers do not make it possible to offer an adequate response, in particular for girls.

“I might no longer bear to leave young people in danger”

The hopes of 15-30 year olds for the future of Brussels

Project. Brussels is getting younger year following year. People under 30 represent 40% of the population. As part of Brussels’ candidacy as European Capital of Culture in 2030, Brussels2030 has become a co-creation project which includes, from 2023, the participation of Brussels youth. The objective is for it to be carried first by the inhabitants and not mainly by cultural and political institutions.

Platform. So that young people can express themselves, a platform has been created. On https://brussels2030.citizenlab.co/fr-BE/all young Brussels residents aged 15 to 30 and all youth organizations (associations, centres, schools, academies, sports centres, collectives) working directly with them are invited to make their voices heard on the future of their city for 2030. They can record their fears, hopes and expectations.

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