"Hanpun Jubsho" Street Begging Fines 350,000 Won... Jail Time if Unpaid in This Country

Luxembourg Proposes 'Begging Ban' Bill
Human Rights Activists and Charitable Organizations Raise Opposition

A bill banning begging has been proposed in Luxembourg, located in Europe. Citizens are strongly opposing the bill as those caught begging on the streets face fines of up to 250 euros (about 357,000 won) or imprisonment if they fail to pay the fines.

Luxembourg street view.
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In December last year, Luxembourg's Interior Minister L?on Gloden officially announced the introduction of this bill. The bill was initially approved by the Luxembourg City Council in March last year but was blocked due to opposition from former Interior Minister Tania Bofferding. The government stated that the reason for proposing the ban was the increase in organized gang begging and aggressive begging. They added that the goal of the ban is to protect the safety of local residents and visitors as well as to safeguard local business activities.

The ban applies between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. in specific areas of the capital city, including shopping districts, squares, parking lots, and parks. Violators of the ban face fines ranging from 25 euros to 250 euros (approximately 36,000 won to 357,000 won), or imprisonment for several days if they fail to pay the fines.

Gloden said, "The ban aims to eradicate 'aggressive and organized begging,'" adding, "The poor and homeless in the city can receive support from social welfare services and night shelters." This is interpreted as encouraging socially vulnerable people to use social welfare services rather than resorting to begging to make a living.

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However, the bill has faced strong opposition from charitable organizations, human rights activists, and Luxembourg’s left-wing political parties. They argue that the new law is inhumane and question its legality. In fact, a petition calling for discussions against the ban had been signed by more than 4,500 Luxembourg residents as of the 15th. Lisa, a resident of Luxembourg, said, "I do not believe banning begging is the answer," and pointed out, "We need to look at the root causes of the problem. Luxembourg seems to lack the political will to create affordable housing for everyone. The fundamental issues must be addressed."

Previously, in 2021, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Switzerland’s Lakatus case, which fined people begging on the streets, violated Article 8 of the European Convention. At that time, the court stated, "People can meet their basic needs through begging, and vulnerable individuals have an inherent right to human dignity that allows them to fulfill basic needs through begging. Imposing fines in such situations is discriminatory."

The Luxembourg government maintains that the ban does not violate European law. It also announced plans to reform Luxembourg’s criminal law to end uncertainties surrounding this bill. Furthermore, it indicated that it would provide local governments with more authority to take measures.