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Syrian war at ‘worst point’ in four years, says Commission of Inquiry head

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United Nations News
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Syrian war at ‘worst point’ in four years, says Commission of Inquiry head

Paulo Pinheiro spoke to UN News this week after presenting his latest report to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, which examines a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues.

The Syrian war, which began in March 2011, is at its “worst point” in four years, he said, while stressing that the escalating violence is not a consequence of any other conflict.

International involvement

“This aggravation is a result of the presence of different Member States in the theatre of operation,” he said, listing Türkiye, Russia, and the United States, as well as forces connected to the Kurdish population in the northeast.

The Commission of Inquiry was established by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in August 2011 to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law in Syria since the start of the war.

Although not in his mandate, Mr. Pinheiro pointed to two situations in Syria that he said are linked to the current conflict between Israel and Palestine, with the first being Israeli airstrikes against the airports in Damascus and Aleppo – both critical for humanitarian aid flows into the country.

“Another connected complicator is the presence of Hezbollah – that is a political force, military force, in Lebanon but it is also present in the theatre of operations in Syria,” he said.

‘Competition’ for coverage

Mr. Pinheiro also lamented “the competition for visibility in the international media”, saying “at this time, it’s difficult to try to remind the world that the war in Syria continues.”

The UN and partners continue to respond to the immense humanitarian needs in Syria, where more than 15 million people require assistance– a 9 per cent increase over last year.

Last month, the UN welcomed the resumption of aid deliveries into northwest Syria via a border crossing with Türkiye.

The Bab al-Hawa border crossing had closed in July after the UN Security Council failed to reach consensus on two competing resolutions seeking to renew the aid corridor.

Some four million people in northwest Syria – the last rebel-held stronghold – rely on the lifeline, which was established nearly a decade ago through a UN Security Council resolution.  

Communities on both sides of the border were also devastated by deadly earthquakes in February, contributing to rising needs. 

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Is Germany hindering the EU severely disabled person’s ID card?

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Newsdesk
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Is Germany hindering the EU severely disabled person’s ID card?

Berlin [ENA] The EU wants to introduce a uniform European disability and parking permit and the current European parking permit for people with disabilities is to be strengthened. The Federal Council is currently blocking this project with a resolution that must now be discussed.

An EU severely disabled person’s ID card has been required for a long time, i.e. an EU uniform ID card that certifies a severe disability. The EU then started a pilot project many years ago, which has now been completed. The next step planned is the introduction of the EU severely disabled person’s card. The Commission proposal is currently being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. If the proposal is adopted, Member States will have 18 months to transpose the provisions of the directive into national law.

The procedure is currently being blocked by Germany because the German Federal Council has opened a procedure to “open the procedure on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality”. In its resolution of October 20, 2023, the Federal Council stated that the EU severely disabled ID card and an EU-wide uniform parking permit were welcomed, but one of the demands on the Federal Government is the name of the EU severely disabled person’s ID card.

“The introduction of a new identification document offers the opportunity to choose a name with a positive connotation that goes beyond historically developed terms and that focuses on participation and inclusion. “European participation card” or “European inclusion card” could represent suitable alternatives,” it says the decision of the Federal Council. However, there are also critical things to be read in the decision.

The Federal Council obviously also sees the regulations planned with regard to mobility as problematic, i.e. allowing people with an EU severely disabled person’s card to use local public transport and asks “the area of ​​special conditions based on legal regulations in the area of ​​passenger transport services to be removed from the scope of application”. to delete.

The Federal Council explained the dangers of “national discrimination” in its decision. This means that the criteria of the individual EU states for recognizing a severely disabled person’s card are interpreted differently. This means that the term and definition of when a person is considered “disabled” is defined by each EU state for itself. With the EU severely disabled person’s card, it can mean that someone in the holiday country could receive benefits through the EU severely disabled person’s card in the country of residence, even though the criteria for recognizing the severe disability do not exist in the country of residence.

The Federal Council’s resolution also refers to additional burdens within the federal states and municipalities, as well as the additional implementation effort. Even if it is not clearly presented, the decision reads like a commitment to an EU severely disabled person’s permit and parking permit, but then follows a long breakdown of points that are supposed to speak against it.

Now it depends on how the federal ministries react, but one thing became clear from the Federal Council’s decision that one of the big factors is money and the need for additional staff. Points that are obviously often seen as an obstacle to social projects or the implementation and strengthening of the rights of disabled people. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is nothing new and the Union-led governments in particular had a great opportunity to create more legal foundations in order to be able to consistently implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The fact that the term “severe disability” is interpreted differently also shows clearly that we have different social developments across Europe and that a clear agreement as to when a limitation exists has less to do with the individual’s feelings, but is based on different parameters are usually defined by those who have no limitations themselves, but believe that they can evaluate them.

There are further differentiations in the validity of the EU severely disabled person’s card, as it is only intended for short stays in another EU country, which in turn is defined as 3 months. However, this time limit contradicts other regulations. In Spain, for example, short vacations of up to 179 days are possible. Statement from B90 / Katrin Langensiepen: https://bit.ly/EU-Schwerbehindertenkarten

Europe’s environmental taxes in decline, despite potentially crucial role

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Newsdesk
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Europe's environmental taxes in decline, despite potentially crucial role

Despite calls for more environmental taxes at the national, European and global levels, implementation has been very slow. In the EU, environmental taxes account for 5.9% of total taxes, less than the 6.6% almost 20 years ago.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing ‘The role of environmental taxation in supporting sustainability transitions’ looks at recent trends in taxes related to pollution, resource use and greenhouse gas emissions. It also considers the potential of these taxes in raising revenues and supporting Europe’s sustainability ambitions.

Passer d’une fiscalité sur le travail à une taxation des activités qui nuisent à l’environnement ou au climat bénéficie depuis longtemps du soutien des économistes et des hommes politiques. Toutefois, comme pour l’élimination progressive des subventions nuisibles à l’environnement, des augmentations substantielles des recettes fiscales environnementales n’ont pour l’essentiel pas été réalisées, note l’AEE.

In the EU, revenues from environmental taxes were 330 billion EUR in 2019. The share of environmental taxes of total tax revenues declined from 6.6%, in 2002, to 5.9%, in 2019. The trend varies across Europe but, critically, the share declined in frontrunner countries implementing environmental taxes, such as Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, the EEA briefing notes.

The observed trends highlight the problem that effective environmental taxes end up eroding the tax base in the long term. Thus, the primary focus of environmental taxes needs to shift from revenue generation to support achieving environment and climate objectives, the EEA briefing concludes.

Pakistan urged to halt Afghan deportations to avoid ‘human rights catastrophe’

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United Nations News
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Pakistan urged to halt Afghan deportations to avoid ‘human rights catastrophe’

OHCHR is urging the authorities to halt deportations, which are set to begin on 1 November, Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told journalists in Geneva.

Currently, more than two million undocumented Afghans are living in Pakistan, at least 600,000 of whom arrived after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.

‘Grave risk’ of violations

“We believe many of those facing deportation will be at grave risk of human rights violations if returned to Afghanistan, including arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, cruel and other inhuman treatment,” she said.

At particular risk are “civil society activists, journalists, human rights defenders, former government officials and security force members, and of course women and girls as a whole,” she added, recalling “abhorrent policies” banning them from secondary and university education, working in many sectors and other aspects of daily and public life.

Ms. Shamdasani noted that the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have already documented a sharp increase in returns to Afghanistan since the deadline was announced on 3 October.

By 15 October, 59,780 Afghans had left Pakistan, according to a recent flash report by the two agencies. The majority, 78 per cent, cited fear of arrest as the reason for leaving.

‘Suspend forcible returns’

“As the 1 November deadline approaches, we urge the Pakistan authorities to suspend forcible returns of Afghan nationals before it is too late to avoid a human rights catastrophe,” said Ms. Shamdasani.

OHCHR also called on the Government to continue providing protection to those in need and ensure that any future returns are safe, dignified, voluntary and in line with international law.

Immense needs back home

Ms. Shamdasani noted that as winter approaches, any mass deportations are bound to deepen the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the series of earthquakes that struck Herat province this month.

At least 1,400 people were killed and 1,800 injured, she added, citing official figures.

She also noted that Afghanistan has a population of 43 million people, most of whom, nearly 30 million, currently need relief assistance, according to the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA.  More than three million are internally displaced.

“We remind the de facto authorities of the international human rights obligations that continue to bind Afghanistan as a state and their obligations to protect, promote and fulfil human rights,” she said. 

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Circular business models and smarter design can reduce environment and climate impacts from textiles — European Environment Agency

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Newsdesk
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Impacts from textiles and the role of design and circular business models

The EEA briefing ‘Textiles and the environment: The role of design in Europe’s circular economy’ provides updated estimates of textiles’ life-cycle impacts on the environment and climate.

The briefing shows that, compared with other consumption categories, textiles caused in 2020 the third highest pressures on water and land use, and the fifth highest use of raw materials  and greenhouse gas emissions. Per average person in the EU, textile consumption required 9 cubic metres of water, 400 square metres of land, 391 kilogrammes (kg) of raw materials, and caused a carbon footprint of about 270 kg. The vast majority of the resource use and emissions took place outside of Europe.

The briefing also looks at how circular business models and design can reduce the negative impacts from textile production and consumption by retaining the value of textiles, extending their life cycles and increasing the usage of recycled materials. This requires technical, social and business innovation, supported by policy, education and changes in consumer behaviour.

A key aspect to increase textile products’ circularity is their design. Circular design — such as careful material selection, timeless look or garment multi-functionality — can allow for longer use and reuse of products, extending the life cycle of textiles. According to the EEA briefing, optimising resource use and reducing emissions at production stage would also mitigate negative impacts as would better collection, reuse and recycling of discarded textiles.

Reducing microplastic pollution

Textiles are a major source of microplastic pollution, mainly through wastewater from washing cycles, but also through manufacturing, wearing, and end-of-life disposal of garments. The EEA briefing ‘Microplastics from textiles: towards a circular economy for textiles in Europe’ looks at this specific type of pollution, highlighting three key prevention measures: sustainable design and production, controlling emissions during use and improved end-of-life processing.

According to the EEA briefing, pollution could be reduced, for example, by using alternative production processes and pre-washing of garments at manufacturing sites with proper filtering of wastewater. Other promising measures that could be introduced or scaled up include integrating filters into household washing machines, developing milder detergents, and generally taking better care of garments. Finally, textile waste collection, wastewater treatment and management would further reduce leaks to environment.

Find out more

Both EEA briefings summarise more detailed technical reports by the EEA’s European Topic Centre on Waste and Materials in a Green Economy (ETC/WMGE):

–          Textiles and the environment: The role of design in Europe’s circular economy

–          Microplastic pollution from textile consumption in Europe

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EU leaders adopted conclusions on the Middle East

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Council of the EU and European Council
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European Council on the Middle East
European Council

On the first day of the European Council 26 October, EU leaders adopted conclusions on the Middle East.

They reiterated their condemnation of Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack and their gravest concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In light of Hamas’ brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attack against Israel and the unfolding tragic scenes in the Gaza Strip, EU leaders reviewed the state of play and different strands of action, including concerted efforts to assist EU citizens.

In a follow-up to the statement they released on 15 October 2023 and the extraordinary European Council meeting held two days later, they also reaffirmed their:

  • condemnation of Hamas in the strongest possible terms
  • recognition of Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law
  • call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without any precondition

The leaders underlined the importance to ensure protection of all civilians at all times. They also expressed their grave concern regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need, including through humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.

The leaders stressed that the EU will work with partners in the region to:

  • protect civilians
  • ensure that assistance is not abused by terrorist organisations
  • facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter

To avoid regional escalation, the leaders emphasised the need to engage with partners in the region, including the Palestinian Authority. They also expressed their support for a two-state solution and welcomed diplomatic initiatives, including supporting the holding of an international peace conference soon.

Unyielding Persecution of Baha’i Women in Iran

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Juan Sanchez Gil
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In an escalating pattern of persecution against the Baha’is in Iran, 36 incidents have taken place in recent days, affecting mostly women, including 10 women who were arrested in Isfahan (Original photo credit: HRANA)
In an escalating pattern of persecution against the Baha’is in Iran, 36 incidents have taken place in recent days, affecting mostly women, including 10 women who were arrested in Isfahan (Original photo credit: HRANA)

Bahai Women / The persecution of the Baha’i community in Iran, towards women has been increasing rapidly. This article explores the occurrences of arrests, imprisonment and violations of human rights imposed on the Baha’i community. It sheds light on the strength and togetherness displayed by this marginalized group.

In the year the Iranian government has significantly escalated its efforts to suppress the Baha’i community. Dozens of Baha’is have been unjustly arrested, tried, summoned to begin prison sentences, or barred from accessing higher education or earning a livelihood. The Baha’i International Community reports that as many as 180 Baha’is have been targeted, including a 90-year-old man, Jamaloddin Khanjani, who was detained and interrogated for two weeks.

In the face of such adversity, the Baha’i community has responded with a powerful campaign, #OurStoryIsOne, emphasizing their shared struggle for equality and freedom. The campaign is a testament to their resilience and unity, demonstrating that the Iranian government’s attempts to sow division among the Baha’is have been futile.

The representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations in Geneva, Simin Fahandej, has criticized the Iranian government’s actions. She states, “By increasing the persecution against Baha’i women in Iran, the Iranian government is further demonstrating that all Iranians are facing the same struggle for equality and freedom.”

The #OurStoryIsOne campaign is a beacon of hope amid the relentless oppression. It underscores the unity of the Baha’i community and their shared vision of building a new Iran where everyone, regardless of faith, background, and gender, lives and prospers.

Despite the persecution by the Iranian government, the Baha’i community shows immense determination. Their resilience in the face of oppression is a powerful testament to their innocence and unwavering commitment to equality and freedom.

The global community cannot remain silent when confronted with violations of human rights. It is imperative to hold the government responsible for its actions and stand united with the Baha’i community.

The narrative of the Baha’i community in Iran exemplifies resilience, unity and an unwavering pursuit of equality and freedom. It serves as a reminder that the fight for human rights is far from over-emphasizing that solidarity is now more critical than ever before.

Additional information provided by the BIC on the 36 latest cases of persecution of Baha’is in Iran

  • The 10 women arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Isfahan are Neda Badakhsh, Arezou Sobhanian, Yeganeh Rouhbakhsh, Mojgan Shahrezaie, Parastou Hakim, Yeganeh Agahi, Bahareh Lotfi, Shana Shoghifar, Negin Khademi, and Neda Emadi, and took them to an unknown location.
  • Ms. Shokoufeh Basiri, Mr. Ahmad Naimi and Mr. Iman Rashidi were also arrested and remain in the detention center of the Yazd Intelligence Department.
  • Ms. Nasim Sabeti, Ms. Azita Foroughi, Ms Roya Ghane Ezzabadi and Ms Soheila Ahmadi, residents of Mashhad, were each sentenced to three years and eight months in prison by the Revolutionary Court of this city.
  • Mrs Noushin Mesbah, a resident of Mashhad, was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.
  • The sentence of four years and one month and seventeen days of imprisonment and social deprivation of Mrs. Sousan Badavam was confirmed by the appeals court of Gilan province.
  • Mr. Hasan Salehi, Mr. Vahid Dana and Mr. Saied Abedi were each sentenced to six years, one month and seventeen days of imprisonment under the supervision of the electronic system, fine and social exclusions by the first branch of Shiraz Revolutionary Court.
  • Mr. Arsalan Yazdani, Mrs. Saiedeh Khozouei, Mr. Iraj Shakour, Mr. Pedram Abhar were sentenced to 6 years each, and Mrs. Samira Ebrahimi and Ms. Saba Sefidi were each sentenced to 4 years and 5 months in prison.

UN marks poignant birthday as staff deaths mount in Gaza

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United Nations News
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UN marks poignant birthday as staff deaths mount in Gaza

UN Day on 24 October marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter – the day the Organization officially came into being.  

‘We grieve, and we remember’

The dead in Gaza include many teachers, the agency noted in a tweet on Monday. “We grieve and we remember. These are not just numbers. These are our friends and colleagues…UNRWA mourns this huge loss.”

The 13,000-strong agency which operates across the Palestine Occupied Territory has been working tirelessly with other UN humanitarians inside Gaza and across the region, to aid stricken civilians, often at great personal risk.

Determined to forge peace

Through the UN Charter, countries united in their resolve to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”

Secretary-General António Guterres recalled that the Charter “is rooted in a determination” to build peace.

“On this United Nations Day, let us commit with hope and determination to build the better world of our aspirations,” he said.

Call for unity

The UN chief called on all nations to commit to a future that lives up to the name of the indispensable organization.  

“We are a divided world. We can and must be united nations,” he urged.

Commemorative events planned on Tuesday include a concert at UN Headquarters in New York, on the theme of The Frontlines of Climate Action, reinforcing one of the UN chief’s key priorities, ahead of the crucial COP28 summit in Dubai next month.

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Road traffic and domestic heating cause poor air quality across Europe

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Newsdesk
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Emissions from road traffic and domestic heating behind breaches of EU air quality standards across Europe — European Environment Agency

Over the period 2014 to 2020, 944 air quality plans were reported to the EEA, according to the briefing ‘Managing air quality in Europe’. Authorities in Member States are required to set up air quality plans to reduce air pollution in areas where EU air quality standards are exceeded and protect public health and ecosystems. The majority of the air quality plans focus on reducing levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter with a diameter of 10 µm or less (PM10).

From 2014 to 2020, just under two thirds of all reported exceedances of air quality standards were linked to dense traffic in urban centers and proximity to major roads, mainly due to emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Road traffic was a key source of air pollution in western and northern Europe, with six countries, namely Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom*, reporting road traffic as the only source of exceedances.

In contrast, in southern and eastern Europe domestic heating was an important source driving exceedances of standards for PM10. Countries that reported domestic heating as a significant driver of exceedances include Croatia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, andSlovenia.   

In terms of measures put in place to reduce emissions under air quality plans, two thirds focused on reducing emissions of NOx from the transport sector, while only 12% focused on domestic heating and 4% on the agricultural sector, the latter two being important sources of particulate matter.

According to the EEA report ‘Air quality in Europe 2021’, exposure to air pollution caused a significant burden of premature death and disease in the 27 EU Member States in 2019, with 307,000 premature deaths attributed to fine particulate matter and 40,400 to NO2. 

Under the European Green Deal’s Zero Pollution Action Plan, the European Commission set the 2030 goal of reducing the number of premature deaths caused by PM2.5 by at least 55% compared with 2005 levels. To this end, the European Commission committed to revising relevant policies that reduce air pollutant emissions at source, such as from road transport and buildings. The Commission is also revising the Ambient Air Quality Directives to align EU air quality standards more closely with  new WHO air quality guidelines published in September 2021.

Background on air quality plans

The EU’s ambient air quality directives set air quality standards for certain pollutants in ambient air to protect human health and the environment. If these values are exceeded, Member States are required to take necessary action to reduce the concentrations of air pollutants and prepare an air quality plan that sets appropriate measures. The aim is to keep the exceedance period as short as possible.

*EEA products, websites and services may refer to research carried out prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Research and data relating to the UK will generally be explained by using terminology such as: “EU-27 and the UK” or “EEA-32 and the UK”. Exceptions to this approach will be clarified in the context of their use.

Antwerp, an eclectic city: between modern architecture and historic buildings

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NewsdeskTET
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Antwerp, an eclectic city: between modern architecture and historic buildings

Located in the north of Belgium, Antwerp is a city that has harmoniously combined modern architecture and historic buildings. This unique combination makes Antwerp a popular destination for lovers of art, history and architecture.

At the heart of the city is the historic district, known as the Old Town. This place is full of magnificent buildings, dating from medieval and Renaissance times. Antwerp’s Grand Place is a true architectural gem, with its richly decorated guild houses. The Maison des Brasseurs, the Maison des Chats and the Maison des Diamants are just a few examples of these historic buildings that bear witness to the city’s glorious past.

But Antwerp is not just a city stuck in the past. It is also the birthplace of many modernist architects who left their mark on the city. One of the most iconic examples of modern architecture in Antwerp is the Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by the famous Dutch architect, Rem Koolhaas. This bold and futuristic building is a true masterpiece of contemporary architecture.

Besides the Museum of Contemporary Art, Antwerp has many other modernist buildings worth seeing. The Antwerp Conference and Exhibition Center, also known as “Het Zuid”, is a striking example of modern architecture. This architectural complex houses a conference center, exhibition halls and offices, all integrated into an avant-garde design.

Strolling through the streets of Antwerp, one can also discover architectural gems such as the Stoclet House, designed by Belgian architect Joseph Hoffmann. This Art Nouveau building is a true hidden treasure, with its facade decorated with floral motifs and its sumptuous interiors.

But architecture is not the only wealth of Antwerp. The city is also renowned for its fashion industry, with renowned designers such as Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester helping to make Antwerp a fashion capital. The MoMu, the Antwerp Fashion Museum, is an unmissable place for fashion enthusiasts, with its exhibitions dedicated to Belgian and international designers.

Besides fashion, Antwerp is also known for its port, one of the largest in Europe. This historic port, located on the Scheldt, played a crucial role in the economic development of the city. Today it is still possible to see the freight ships sailing on the Scheldt, giving the town a unique maritime atmosphere.

Finally, Antwerp is a culturally rich city, with many museums, art galleries and theaters. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp houses an impressive collection of artworks, ranging from Flemish masters such as Rubens and Van Dyck, to contemporary Belgian artists.

In conclusion, Antwerp is a city that harmoniously combines modern architecture and historic buildings. Its historic district is full of architectural treasures, while its modernist buildings bear witness to the creativity and daring of its architects. But Antwerp is much more than a city of architecture, it is also a fashion capital, a historic port and a cultural center. A visit to Antwerp is therefore a real journey through history, art and architecture.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

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