Belgium reacts to the film Bulgaria's Abandoned Children

Following the transmission of Bulgaria's Abandoned Children on Belgian television last week, a campaign has been launched by TV Presenter Chris Dusauchoit to help disabled children in the Bulgarian social care system.

Chris, a household name in Belgium, watched the documentary on the national channel Canvas and was horrified by what he saw: 'It was unbelievable. I couldn't get those images out of my head. I contacted TBACT and spoke with Kate many times. I knew I would have to do something'

The film's transmission caused much debate throughout Belgium over the next few days with newspapers, radio stations and TV channels reporting on the reaction.

Immediately after seeing the film, Chris contacted government ministers and political leaders to ask for intervention on a national level. In response to his requests as well as the general outcry from the public, the Belgian government have pledged to support a process of de-institutionalization in Bulgaria and have sent a delegation to Sofia this week to begin discussions.

Chris is accompanying the delegation which will visit a number of institutions, including Mogilino, as well as meet the NGO's working across Bulgaria.

Chris has set up a Belgian based charity, www.helpthechildren.be, to raise awareness and support for abandoned children across Europe.