Civil unrest
Social unrest encompasses various forms of political unrest, such as:
- Violence, including terrorist acts and individual attacks
- Violent actions by groups, such as riots
- Less violent actions, such as demonstrations and protests
These events usually occur in peacetime and can range from non-violent to moderately violent actions:
Risks and causes
What can you do?
There are no specific recommendations for this risk.
Check out our general advice to follow before, during, and after an emergency.
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe considerable social unrest. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- There is a short period of civil unrest, lasting from a few hours to a day, in a specific location such as an urban district or a public square.
- These are unorganised citizens or organised groups gathering together with no intention of committing violent acts.
- Public order disturbances are minimal, with only limited acts of vandalism, isolated clashes with police, looting and isolated cases of arson.
- Public opinion remains generally indifferent, and the reaction of the police is proportionate.
- The impact on the lives and health of citizens is negligible, although minor injuries among demonstrators, law enforcement officers or passers-by are possible.
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Very strong
Human impact
Very weak
Societal impact
Weak
Environmental impact
No impact
Financial impact
Very weak
What do the authorities do?
The National Crisis Center monitors over 1,000 events and demonstrations every year, in collaboration with Belgian and European authorities and services.
This surveillance ensures that these events take place in complete safety, while everyone's individual rights, such as the right to demonstrate, are respected.