[19/12/08 16:40] Thomas Hammarberg concluded today his four-day assessment visit to Belgium after meetings with members of the federal, community and regional governments. He also met with civil society representatives and visited prisons, closed centres for irregular migrants and shelters for women victims of violence. "The continuous overcrowding in prison has created an intolerable situation for prisoners and penitential staff. It also endangers the aim of reintegrating prisoners into society" pointed out the Commissioner. He also highlighted problems in the detention of minors and asylum-seekers and called for the vigorous implementation of the recently adopted non-discrimination legislation at all levels. The report of the Commissioner's visit will be published in spring 2009.