Constitutional reforms enacted in 1993 transformed Belgium from a unitary into a federal state.
Civilian authorities are in full command of the national, municipal, and judicial police forces.
Belgium is a highly industrialized state with a vigorous private sector and government participation in certain industries. An extensive social welfare system supports a high standard of living for most citizens. The Government fully respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and an independent judiciary provide effective means of dealing with instances of individual abuse. There were no reports of political or other extrajudicial killings. There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances.