Dec 17, 2018 - Politics & Policy

In photos: Protestors in Brussels rage against UN migration pact

Khorri Atkinson

Protestors at a gathering called by the right-wing Flemish party Vlaams Belang and other organizations in Brussels against the UN Marrakech global pact on migration. — Protestors at a gathering in Brussels against the UN global pact on migration. Photo: Jonas Roosens/AFP/Getty Images

Thousands of protestors in Brussels clashed with police on Sunday as they demonstrated against a UN migration pact signed by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel last week, reports the BBC.

Why it matters: The mass protest near the European Union complex attracted some 5,500 people and was organized by the right-wing N-VA party, which resigned from Belgium's federal government over Michel's decision to sign the agreement. The UN pact, which aims to foster international cooperation on refugees and migration, is facing pressure from the Trump administration, which argues the document harms sovereignty and legitimizes illegal migration.

Around 1,000 far-right, anti-migration protesters gather for a demonstration as police officers intervene them with teargas near EU buildings in Brussels on Sunday. — Anti-migration protesters gather for a demonstration as police officers intervene with tear gas near EU buildings in Brussels on Sunday. Photo: Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Protesters clash with police. Photo: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

Belgian right-wing associations participated in the protest against a UN migration pact. Photo: Romy Arroyo Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Go deeper: Axios' Deep Dive on the refugee crisis