
Thousands protested against a UN migration pact outside the EU's Brussels headquarters today as police used tear gas and water cannon to quell violence.

The march eclipsed a smaller demonstration in support of the deal on how to handle refugees, the signing of which brought down Belgium's government last week.

Police said some 5,500 people marched in the bigger protest, organised by Flemish right wing parties in the part of the capital where main European Union institutions are located.

A protester throws a missile at the police during an anti-migrant demonstration outside of EU headquarters in Brussels

A Flemish nationalist attends a protest against Marrakesh Migration Pact in Brussels. She holds a poster directed against Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel

Demonstrators clash with Belgian riot police during a march in Brussels on December 16, 2018 called by the right-wing Flemish party Vlaams Belang

Far-right, anti-migration protesters gather for a demonstration as police officers intervene them near EU buildings

A far-right supporter throws a traffic sign during a protest against Marrakesh Migration Pact in Brussels, Belgium

Protesters of right-wing and far-right Flemish associations holds banners reading 'First Our People' during the 'March Against Marrakech' near European institutions headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 16 December 2018

Protestors face off against the police during an anti-migrant demonstration outside of EU headquarters in Brussels

A separate counter-demonstration of around 1,000 people, organised by left-wing groups and non-governmental organisations, took place in the city centre.

Belgian right-wing party N-VA, which is the biggest party in parliament, pulled its ministers from the ruling coalition last week after Prime Minister Charles Michel refused its demand that he not sign the UN migration compact in Marrakesh.

Michel had secured a large parliamentary majority in favour of maintaining Belgium's support of the UN text, with support from the opposition socialists and greens.

Police said some 5,500 people marched in the bigger protest, organised by Flemish right wing parties in the part of the capital where main European Union institutions are located

epa07235335 Mounted police officers chase protesters of right-wing and far-right Flemish associations during the 'March Against Marrakech' demonstration

Protesters of right-wing and far-right Flemish associations take part in the 'March Against Marrakech' demonstration

Critics said the N-VA's move was the opening shot in a campaign before federal elections in May.

The UN pact was agreed in July by all 193 UN members except the United States, but only 164 formally signed it at the meeting last Monday.

It has run into criticism from European politicians who say it could increase immigration to Europe as the bloc has turned increasingly restrictive on accepting refugees and migrants alike since a 2015 spike in arrivals.

Ten countries, mostly in formerly Communist Eastern Europe, have pulled out of the non-binding pact.

With a record 21.3 million refugees globally, the United Nations began work on the pact after more than one million people arrived in Europe in 2015, many fleeing civil war in Syria and poverty in Africa.

According to the UN, the global compact on refugees establishes the architecture for a stronger, more predictable and more equitable international response to large refugee situations.

Although not legally binding, it guides the international community in supporting refugees and countries and communities hosting large numbers through the mobilization of political will and the activation of arrangements for more equitable and predictable burden and responsibility sharing.

epa07235381 A line of riot police officers keeps watch as protesters of right-wing and far-right Flemish associations demonstrate during the 'March Against Marrakech'

Protestors grab objects to throw toward the police during an anti-migrant demonstration outside of EU headquarters in Brussels

Protestors face off against the police during an anti-migrant demonstration outside of EU headquarters

Demonstrators clash with Belgian riot police during a march in Brussels on December 16, 2018 called by the right-wing Flemish party Vlaams Belang