Social Rights

The complaint was registered on 9 July 2026. It was lodged by ClientEarth.

The complainant organisation alleges that Belgium is not in conformity with Article 11§§1-3 (the right to protection of health) of the Revised European Social Charter.

In particular, the complainant organisation alleges that Belgium has failed to establish and implement an effective legal, regulatory and policy framework capable of preventing and reducing the risks to human health arising from pollution caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It submits that the Belgian authorities have failed to take timely and effective measures, including, precautionary monitoring and remediation measures, to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children.

The complainant organisation further alleges that Belgium has failed to provide adequate health information and education concerning the risks associated with PFAS exposure. It also submits that the shortcomings of the current framework expose the population to serious health risks and have resulted in a systemic and continuing failure to protect the right to health.

ClientEarth v. Belgium