| BELIZE Belize Belize Joined United Nations: 25 September 1981 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 09/28/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Belmopan
307,899 (July 2010 est.)
Dean Barrow
Prime Minister since 8 February 2008
Prime Minister since 8 February 2008
The monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the
monarch
Next scheduled election: July and August 2012
monarch
Next scheduled election: July and August 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by
the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime
minister; last held 6 February 2008
Next scheduled election: 2013
leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by
the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime
minister; last held 6 February 2008
Next scheduled election: 2013
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Pentecostal 7.4%, Anglican 5.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Mennonite 4.1%, Methodist
3.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), other 14%, none 9.4% (2000)
3.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), other 14%, none 9.4% (2000)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Parliamentary democracy with 6 districts; Legal system is based on English law
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the
deputy prime minister
Legislative: Bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats; members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the
advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of
Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business
Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; to serve five-year terms) and the House
of Representatives (29 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - number of seats will
increase to 31 next election
elections: House of Representatives - last held 6 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister)
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the
deputy prime minister
Legislative: Bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats; members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the
advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of
Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business
Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; to serve five-year terms) and the House
of Representatives (29 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - number of seats will
increase to 31 next election
elections: House of Representatives - last held 6 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister)
| LANGUAGES |
Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9% (official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, other 1.4%,
unknown 0.2% (2000 census)
unknown 0.2% (2000 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The area now comprising Belize was originally inhabited by the Maya. The Maya civilization rose in the Yucatán Peninsula to the
north, spreading to Belize between the 16th century BC and the 4th century AD. The Maya people excelled at farming. Their
primary crops included corn, beans, chilies, squash, and cocoa. Pottery, fabric making, stone work, and architecture grew to a
sophisticated level as their civilization progressed. Their achievements in mathematics and astronomy were advanced well beyond
other comparable cultures of the time. The Classic period sites flourished until about the 13th century, and suggest that the area had
a much denser population in that period than it has had since. Post-Classic sites continued until contact with Europeans. Belize
contains the archeological remains of cities such as Altun Ha, Caracol, Cahal Pech, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Nim Li Punit, Santa Rita,
and Xunantunich. European contact began in 1502, when Christopher Columbus sailed along the coast of Belize but did not land on
shore. In 1511, the first Europeans set foot on what is now Belize: a small crew of shipwrecked Spanish sailors, who landed in what
is now northern Belize. The group's galleon had run aground on the Alacranes reef near Cabo Catoche. Twenty people were
washed ashore, and most of those were immediately captured by the Mayas and later sacrificed or taken as slaves. One of the
prisoners, Gonzalo Guerrero, later defected to the Mayas, and married into a noble Mayan family. Guerrero married the daughter of
Nachankan, the chief of Chetumal, and assumed the Mayan way of life. He and his wife had three children, who were the first
mestizos (mixed Amerindian-European ethnicity). Though tradition has it that European settlement began in 1638, there are no
historical records of Europeans staying year-round in the area until the 1670s. These early "Baymen" were drawn by the large
stands of logwood, a valuable tree whose sapwood was widely used in Europe to dye clothing. In the early 1700s, mahogany also
became a valuable export. Over the next 150 years, more English settlements were established. This period also was marked by
piracy, indiscriminate logging, and sporadic attacks by Indians and neighboring Spanish settlements. The Spanish Empire granted the
United Kingdom rights to establish logging camps in the area, but not to set up a colony on this land, which the Spanish Crown
wished to maintain theoretical sovereignty over. While not an official British colony, British use and occupation of the area
increased. In 1798, the United Kingdom and Spain went to war, and the Spanish Governor-General of Yucatán sent a fleet of 32
ships to seize the British settlements. From September 3 through September 10 a series of battles was fought around the islands and
reefs off the Belizean coast, after which the Spanish forces withdrew. This is known as The Battle of St. George's Caye, and is
celebrated as a national holiday each September 10. The United Kingdom first sent an official representative to the area in the late
18th century but Belize was not formally termed the Colony of British Honduras until 1840. It became a Crown Colony in 1871. In
second half of the 19th century many refugees from the Caste War of Yucatán settled in the northern part of the colony. According
to the 1904 census of British Honduras, the principle towns of the colony at the time had the following populations: Belize City:
9969; Stann Creek Town: 2459; Corozal Town: 1696; Orange Walk Town: 1244; Punta Gorda: 706; San Ignacio Cayo: 421;
Monkey River: 384; and Mullins River: 243. In the 20th century, several constitutional changes were enacted to expand
representative government. Full internal self-government under a ministerial system was granted in January 1964. The official name
of the territory was changed from British Honduras to Belize in June 1973. The government of Guatemala long claimed that Belize
was rightfully Guatemalan territory, supposedly inheriting rights to the land from the Spanish Crown. Fear of invasion by Guatemala
long delayed the independence of Belize. Finally the United Kingdom agreed to defend Belize from invasion if necessary after
independence; this agreement led to full official independence granted on September 21, 1981, under the leadership of long time
Prime Minister and independence advocate George Price. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1991. Belize City
was hit badly by a hurricane in 1931, and suffered even more severe damage from Hurricane Hattie in 1961. This resulted in the
creation of two new towns. The first was Hattieville, just inland from Belize City, which was originally intended as a temporary
shelter for those made homeless by the hurricane, but which grew into a permanent town. The second was Belmopan, a community
planned as the new capital of Belize, well inland and near the center of the country. The building of Belmopan began in 1962, and in
1971 the Belizean House of Representatives began meeting there. Although no longer the capital, Belize City remains the nation's
largest city and port. In the 1990s a new sea port was built at Big Creek, which soon became the second most important port after
Belize City. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing
involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime in Belize City. The British army continues to man bases in
South America.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Belize
north, spreading to Belize between the 16th century BC and the 4th century AD. The Maya people excelled at farming. Their
primary crops included corn, beans, chilies, squash, and cocoa. Pottery, fabric making, stone work, and architecture grew to a
sophisticated level as their civilization progressed. Their achievements in mathematics and astronomy were advanced well beyond
other comparable cultures of the time. The Classic period sites flourished until about the 13th century, and suggest that the area had
a much denser population in that period than it has had since. Post-Classic sites continued until contact with Europeans. Belize
contains the archeological remains of cities such as Altun Ha, Caracol, Cahal Pech, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Nim Li Punit, Santa Rita,
and Xunantunich. European contact began in 1502, when Christopher Columbus sailed along the coast of Belize but did not land on
shore. In 1511, the first Europeans set foot on what is now Belize: a small crew of shipwrecked Spanish sailors, who landed in what
is now northern Belize. The group's galleon had run aground on the Alacranes reef near Cabo Catoche. Twenty people were
washed ashore, and most of those were immediately captured by the Mayas and later sacrificed or taken as slaves. One of the
prisoners, Gonzalo Guerrero, later defected to the Mayas, and married into a noble Mayan family. Guerrero married the daughter of
Nachankan, the chief of Chetumal, and assumed the Mayan way of life. He and his wife had three children, who were the first
mestizos (mixed Amerindian-European ethnicity). Though tradition has it that European settlement began in 1638, there are no
historical records of Europeans staying year-round in the area until the 1670s. These early "Baymen" were drawn by the large
stands of logwood, a valuable tree whose sapwood was widely used in Europe to dye clothing. In the early 1700s, mahogany also
became a valuable export. Over the next 150 years, more English settlements were established. This period also was marked by
piracy, indiscriminate logging, and sporadic attacks by Indians and neighboring Spanish settlements. The Spanish Empire granted the
United Kingdom rights to establish logging camps in the area, but not to set up a colony on this land, which the Spanish Crown
wished to maintain theoretical sovereignty over. While not an official British colony, British use and occupation of the area
increased. In 1798, the United Kingdom and Spain went to war, and the Spanish Governor-General of Yucatán sent a fleet of 32
ships to seize the British settlements. From September 3 through September 10 a series of battles was fought around the islands and
reefs off the Belizean coast, after which the Spanish forces withdrew. This is known as The Battle of St. George's Caye, and is
celebrated as a national holiday each September 10. The United Kingdom first sent an official representative to the area in the late
18th century but Belize was not formally termed the Colony of British Honduras until 1840. It became a Crown Colony in 1871. In
second half of the 19th century many refugees from the Caste War of Yucatán settled in the northern part of the colony. According
to the 1904 census of British Honduras, the principle towns of the colony at the time had the following populations: Belize City:
9969; Stann Creek Town: 2459; Corozal Town: 1696; Orange Walk Town: 1244; Punta Gorda: 706; San Ignacio Cayo: 421;
Monkey River: 384; and Mullins River: 243. In the 20th century, several constitutional changes were enacted to expand
representative government. Full internal self-government under a ministerial system was granted in January 1964. The official name
of the territory was changed from British Honduras to Belize in June 1973. The government of Guatemala long claimed that Belize
was rightfully Guatemalan territory, supposedly inheriting rights to the land from the Spanish Crown. Fear of invasion by Guatemala
long delayed the independence of Belize. Finally the United Kingdom agreed to defend Belize from invasion if necessary after
independence; this agreement led to full official independence granted on September 21, 1981, under the leadership of long time
Prime Minister and independence advocate George Price. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1991. Belize City
was hit badly by a hurricane in 1931, and suffered even more severe damage from Hurricane Hattie in 1961. This resulted in the
creation of two new towns. The first was Hattieville, just inland from Belize City, which was originally intended as a temporary
shelter for those made homeless by the hurricane, but which grew into a permanent town. The second was Belmopan, a community
planned as the new capital of Belize, well inland and near the center of the country. The building of Belmopan began in 1962, and in
1971 the Belizean House of Representatives began meeting there. Although no longer the capital, Belize City remains the nation's
largest city and port. In the 1990s a new sea port was built at Big Creek, which soon became the second most important port after
Belize City. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing
involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime in Belize City. The British army continues to man bases in
South America.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Belize
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
In this small, essentially private-enterprise economy, tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by exports of
marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in
September 1998, led to sturdy GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007, though growth slipped to 2.1% in 2008 and
-1.5% in 2009 as a result of the global slowdown, natural disasters, and the drop in the price of oil. Oil discoveries in 2006
bolstered economic growth. Exploration efforts continue and production increased a small amount in 2009. Major concerns
continue to be the sizable trade deficit and sizable foreign debt. In February 2007, the government restructured nearly all of its
public external commercial debt, which helped reduce interest payments and relieve some of the country's liquidity concerns. A key
short-term objective remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international donors.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Belize)
marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in
September 1998, led to sturdy GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007, though growth slipped to 2.1% in 2008 and
-1.5% in 2009 as a result of the global slowdown, natural disasters, and the drop in the price of oil. Oil discoveries in 2006
bolstered economic growth. Exploration efforts continue and production increased a small amount in 2009. Major concerns
continue to be the sizable trade deficit and sizable foreign debt. In February 2007, the government restructured nearly all of its
public external commercial debt, which helped reduce interest payments and relieve some of the country's liquidity concerns. A key
short-term objective remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international donors.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Belize)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The National Assembly of Belize consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate. The 31 members of the House of
Representatives are popularly elected to a maximum five-year term of office as of the 2008 general elections.
The Senate currently consists of 12 Senators plus the President of the Senate. The Senators are appointed by the Governor General
as follows: six (6) on the advice of the Prime Minister, three (3) on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, one (1) member on
the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and the Evangelical Association of Churches, one (1) on the advice of the Belize
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Business Bureau and one (1) on the advice of the National Trade Union
Congress of Belize and the Civil Society Steering Committee. The President of the Senate is then selected by the 12 Senators,
either from amongst themselves or from the general populace. The President presides over the sessions of the Senate but ordinarily
has no voice nor vote in the proceedings (as would an appointed Senator), except in the cases of the passing of bills (legislation)
where he/she has a casting vote. Where the President is selected from amongst the twelve, the powers of Senator and President of
the Senate are vested in this one person. Otherwise, the President has no powers as would ordinarily be vested in a Senator. Over
the past few years, there has been much debate over whether the members of the Senate should be appointed or elected.
As of 8 February 2008, the Government of Belize is controlled by the United Democratic Party (UDP) which has a confirmed
majority in the House of Representatives after general elections of 7 February 2008. The former government, the People's United
Party (PUP) is now in Opposition, after having governed Belize from August 28, 1998 to 8 February 2008. The UDP previously
governed Belize from June 30, 1993 to August 27, 1998; the PUP had governed from September 4, 1989- June 30, 1993; and the
UDP from December 14, 1984-September 4, 1989. Before 1984, the PUP had dominated the electoral scene for more than 30
years and was the party in power when Belize became independent in 1981.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Belize
Representatives are popularly elected to a maximum five-year term of office as of the 2008 general elections.
The Senate currently consists of 12 Senators plus the President of the Senate. The Senators are appointed by the Governor General
as follows: six (6) on the advice of the Prime Minister, three (3) on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, one (1) member on
the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and the Evangelical Association of Churches, one (1) on the advice of the Belize
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Business Bureau and one (1) on the advice of the National Trade Union
Congress of Belize and the Civil Society Steering Committee. The President of the Senate is then selected by the 12 Senators,
either from amongst themselves or from the general populace. The President presides over the sessions of the Senate but ordinarily
has no voice nor vote in the proceedings (as would an appointed Senator), except in the cases of the passing of bills (legislation)
where he/she has a casting vote. Where the President is selected from amongst the twelve, the powers of Senator and President of
the Senate are vested in this one person. Otherwise, the President has no powers as would ordinarily be vested in a Senator. Over
the past few years, there has been much debate over whether the members of the Senate should be appointed or elected.
As of 8 February 2008, the Government of Belize is controlled by the United Democratic Party (UDP) which has a confirmed
majority in the House of Representatives after general elections of 7 February 2008. The former government, the People's United
Party (PUP) is now in Opposition, after having governed Belize from August 28, 1998 to 8 February 2008. The UDP previously
governed Belize from June 30, 1993 to August 27, 1998; the PUP had governed from September 4, 1989- June 30, 1993; and the
UDP from December 14, 1984-September 4, 1989. Before 1984, the PUP had dominated the electoral scene for more than 30
years and was the party in power when Belize became independent in 1981.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Belize
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
OAS-initiated Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures saw cooperation in repatriation of
Guatemalan squatters and other areas, but Guatemalan land and maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea remain
unresolved; the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international boundary to
control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region; Honduras claims Belizean-administered Sapodilla
Cays in its constitution but agreed to a joint ecological park under the Differendum
Guatemalan squatters and other areas, but Guatemalan land and maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea remain
unresolved; the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international boundary to
control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region; Honduras claims Belizean-administered Sapodilla
Cays in its constitution but agreed to a joint ecological park under the Differendum
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis, primarily for local consumption; offshore sector
money-laundering activity related to narcotics trafficking and other crimes (2008)
money-laundering activity related to narcotics trafficking and other crimes (2008)
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Reports: Belize
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Belize is a constitutional parliamentary democracy with an estimated population of 314,300. In February 2008 Prime Minister Dean
Barrow's United Democratic Party (UDP) won 25 of the 31 seats in the House of Representatives following generally free and fair
multiparty elections. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces, there were instances in which
elements of the security forces acted independently.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. Human rights problems included:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Belize is a constitutional parliamentary democracy with an estimated population of 314,300. In February 2008 Prime Minister Dean
Barrow's United Democratic Party (UDP) won 25 of the 31 seats in the House of Representatives following generally free and fair
multiparty elections. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces, there were instances in which
elements of the security forces acted independently.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. Human rights problems included:
- killings and the use of excessive force by security forces, which the government in some cases took steps to prosecute
administratively. Other problems included: - lengthy pretrial detention,
- domestic violence,
- discrimination against women,
- sexual abuse of children,
- trafficking in persons for sexual and labor exploitation,
- discrimination based on sexual orientation,
- child labor.
10 August 2007
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Thirty-ninth session
23 July-10 August 2007
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Belize
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined third and fourth periodic report, but regrets that it was
overdue and did not provide sufficient sex-disaggregated data. The Committee also expresses its appreciation for the written replies to
the list of issues and questions raised by the pre-session working group and for the oral presentation and responses to the questions
posed by the Committee.
Positive aspects
5. The Committee commends the State party for the institutional arrangements and framework it has put in place for improved
implementation of the Convention, including the National Gender Policy, the Women’s Agenda 2003-2008 and the appointment of
Women Development Officers in each district.
6. The Committee commends the State party for the law reform process it has undertaken to promote women’s rights, which has
resulted in the amendment to the Constitution to guarantee gender equality, as well as amendments to the Criminal Code, the Evidence
Act, the Wages Council Act, the Married Persons Protection Act, the Supreme Court of Judicature Act and the Administration of Estates
Act. It also welcomes the enactment of new legislation, including the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, which will take effect in July
2007, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2003.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
8. While recalling the State party’s obligation to implement systematically and continuously all provisions of the Convention, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding comments as requiring the State party’s
priority attention between the present time and the time of submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee calls
upon the State party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on the action taken and the results achieved in
its next periodic report. It calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding comments to all relevant ministries and to its
parliament so as to ensure their full implementation.
9. The Committee regrets that the report does not provide sufficient statistical data, disaggregated by sex, ethnicity and rural and urban
areas, on the practical realization of the principle of equality between women and men in all areas covered by the Convention. It is also
concerned that the report provides no information on the situation of older and disabled women. The Committee is concerned that the
lack of such data is an impediment to evaluating the impact of measures taken by the State party and the results achieved.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Thirty-ninth session
23 July-10 August 2007
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Belize
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined third and fourth periodic report, but regrets that it was
overdue and did not provide sufficient sex-disaggregated data. The Committee also expresses its appreciation for the written replies to
the list of issues and questions raised by the pre-session working group and for the oral presentation and responses to the questions
posed by the Committee.
Positive aspects
5. The Committee commends the State party for the institutional arrangements and framework it has put in place for improved
implementation of the Convention, including the National Gender Policy, the Women’s Agenda 2003-2008 and the appointment of
Women Development Officers in each district.
6. The Committee commends the State party for the law reform process it has undertaken to promote women’s rights, which has
resulted in the amendment to the Constitution to guarantee gender equality, as well as amendments to the Criminal Code, the Evidence
Act, the Wages Council Act, the Married Persons Protection Act, the Supreme Court of Judicature Act and the Administration of Estates
Act. It also welcomes the enactment of new legislation, including the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, which will take effect in July
2007, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2003.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
8. While recalling the State party’s obligation to implement systematically and continuously all provisions of the Convention, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding comments as requiring the State party’s
priority attention between the present time and the time of submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee calls
upon the State party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on the action taken and the results achieved in
its next periodic report. It calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding comments to all relevant ministries and to its
parliament so as to ensure their full implementation.
9. The Committee regrets that the report does not provide sufficient statistical data, disaggregated by sex, ethnicity and rural and urban
areas, on the practical realization of the principle of equality between women and men in all areas covered by the Convention. It is also
concerned that the report provides no information on the situation of older and disabled women. The Committee is concerned that the
lack of such data is an impediment to evaluating the impact of measures taken by the State party and the results achieved.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
The political establishment was shaken by several high-profile cases of corruption and financial mismanagement during 2009, including
the arrest of Belize City’s mayor and charges—later dismissed—against a former prime minister. Also in 2009, violent crime continued,
and Prime Minister Dean Barrow failed to make progress on proposed constitutional amendments that would have, among other things,
allowed for wiretapping, preventative detentions, and government seizure of lands containing mineral resources.
The UDP, led by Dean Barrow, ousted Musa and the PUP in February 2008 parliamentary elections, taking 25 out of 31 seats in the
lower house of the National Assembly and leaving the PUP with just six seats. Voter turnout was lower than in the last elections, but the
balloting was determined to be free and fair.
In April 2008, the Barrow government proposed amendments to the constitution that would allow for wiretapping and preventative
detention. The package also provided the government with the right to seize property if mineral resources are discovered on it.
Opponents argued that this power could easily be abused and did not respect the land rights of Mayan minority groups. The legislation
was passed by the National Assembly in August, but the Court of Appeal ruled in March 2009 that the government had to hold a
referendum on the amendments before they could become law. The measure remained stalled at year’s end.
Barrow was also criticized in 2009 for a controversial government takeover of Belize Telemedia, the country’s largest
telecommunications company, in August. In reaction to a conflict with the company, lawmakers had quickly amended the Belize
Telecommunications Act to allow for the takeover, which was subsequently denounced as illegal and unconstitutional by business
groups.
Belize has strengthened ties with Venezuela in recent years, joining its PetroCaribe program, which supplies the majority of the country’s
oil imports on favorable terms, in 2006. Belize has also worked with Venezuela and Taiwan to develop its own nascent oil production.
Meanwhile, a long-standing border dispute with Guatemala has continued. The two countries agreed in December 2008 to hold
referendums on whether to submit the issue to the International Court of Justice, but there were no concrete plans for the votes at the
end of 2009.
Belize is an electoral democracy. The head of state is the British monarch, represented by a governor-general. The 31-seat House of
Representatives, the lower house of the bicameral National Assembly, is elected for five-year terms. The 12 members of the Senate are
appointed to five-year terms, with six appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the
opposition leader, and three on the advice of major civil society groups. There are no restrictions on the right to organize political parties,
and the interests of Mestizo, Creole, Mayan, and Garifuna ethnic groups are represented in the National Assembly. The country’s major
parties are the center-right UDP and the center-left PUP.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
The political establishment was shaken by several high-profile cases of corruption and financial mismanagement during 2009, including
the arrest of Belize City’s mayor and charges—later dismissed—against a former prime minister. Also in 2009, violent crime continued,
and Prime Minister Dean Barrow failed to make progress on proposed constitutional amendments that would have, among other things,
allowed for wiretapping, preventative detentions, and government seizure of lands containing mineral resources.
The UDP, led by Dean Barrow, ousted Musa and the PUP in February 2008 parliamentary elections, taking 25 out of 31 seats in the
lower house of the National Assembly and leaving the PUP with just six seats. Voter turnout was lower than in the last elections, but the
balloting was determined to be free and fair.
In April 2008, the Barrow government proposed amendments to the constitution that would allow for wiretapping and preventative
detention. The package also provided the government with the right to seize property if mineral resources are discovered on it.
Opponents argued that this power could easily be abused and did not respect the land rights of Mayan minority groups. The legislation
was passed by the National Assembly in August, but the Court of Appeal ruled in March 2009 that the government had to hold a
referendum on the amendments before they could become law. The measure remained stalled at year’s end.
Barrow was also criticized in 2009 for a controversial government takeover of Belize Telemedia, the country’s largest
telecommunications company, in August. In reaction to a conflict with the company, lawmakers had quickly amended the Belize
Telecommunications Act to allow for the takeover, which was subsequently denounced as illegal and unconstitutional by business
groups.
Belize has strengthened ties with Venezuela in recent years, joining its PetroCaribe program, which supplies the majority of the country’s
oil imports on favorable terms, in 2006. Belize has also worked with Venezuela and Taiwan to develop its own nascent oil production.
Meanwhile, a long-standing border dispute with Guatemala has continued. The two countries agreed in December 2008 to hold
referendums on whether to submit the issue to the International Court of Justice, but there were no concrete plans for the votes at the
end of 2009.
Belize is an electoral democracy. The head of state is the British monarch, represented by a governor-general. The 31-seat House of
Representatives, the lower house of the bicameral National Assembly, is elected for five-year terms. The 12 members of the Senate are
appointed to five-year terms, with six appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the
opposition leader, and three on the advice of major civil society groups. There are no restrictions on the right to organize political parties,
and the interests of Mestizo, Creole, Mayan, and Garifuna ethnic groups are represented in the National Assembly. The country’s major
parties are the center-right UDP and the center-left PUP.
Click here to read more »
Summit of the Americas fails to address human rights
20 April 2009
The fifth Summit of the Americas has failed to recognize that human rights must be placed at the centre of efforts to confront the many
fundamental challenges facing the region.
Governments from every country in the Americas, except for Cuba, took part in the four-yearly meeting held in Port of Spain, Trinidad
and Tobago, between 17 and 19 April.
The 34 heads of state and government discussed the Summit's three principal themes: human prosperity, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain was adopted by consensus at the close of the Summit on 19 April. Based on the three
themes, the Declaration fails to lay out a clear human rights framework for progress in these areas.
A number of governments, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Honduras, indicated that they were not prepared to formally sign
the Declaration. Leaders agreed to instead adopt it by consensus and have Trinidadian Prime Minister Manning sign on behalf of all
leaders.
The governments that had registered objections did not feel that the Declaration deals adequately with the current global economic crisis.
They also wanted to see strong references to the issue of Cuba's reintegration into Organization of American States (OAS) and the lifting
of the US embargo against Cuba.
Amnesty International delegates at the Summit urged the governments of the region to make a firm commitment to ensuring that all
measures taken in response to the current global economic crisis fully conform to their human rights obligations. But the recognition in
the Declaration of the responsibility governments have to address the crisis does not acknowledge human rights at all.
"At a time of global economic turmoil and with a new spirit of compromise in the air between the government of US President Barrack
Obama and other governments in the Americas this Summit offered an unparalleled opportunity to lay out a strong human rights vision
for the Americas," said Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, who was part of the Amnesty International
delegation at the Summit. "Instead, human rights have once again been pushed to the back."
Amnesty International had made a number of recommendations as to ways in which an earlier draft of the Declaration needed to be
strengthened with regard to human rights. The organization said it was disappointed that there were no such improvements in the final
Declaration.
"Governments must unequivocally agree that human rights obligations will guide their efforts to address the economic crisis,” said Alex
Neve. “If not, there is a very real risk that both the crisis and the response to it will deepen inequalities and lead to widespread violations
of the rights of marginalized sectors of society in the Americas."
Amnesty International said that it was also deeply concerned that the Summit process excluded important voices from being heard in a
meaningful way, particularly Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples, organizing the third Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas,
had been forced to hold their gathering in Panama after being told that it would not be possible to find a venue in Trinidad and Tobago.
"Grave violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples are among the most pressing challenges throughout the Americas," said Alex Neve.
"As such, strengthened protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples should be one of the priority concerns at every Summit of the
Americas. The exclusion and marginalization of Indigenous peoples at this Summit was disrespectful and unacceptable."
"Governments must make amends and demonstrate that they are committed to improved protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples
by moving rapidly to finalize and adopt a strong American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples."
Click here to read more »
20 April 2009
The fifth Summit of the Americas has failed to recognize that human rights must be placed at the centre of efforts to confront the many
fundamental challenges facing the region.
Governments from every country in the Americas, except for Cuba, took part in the four-yearly meeting held in Port of Spain, Trinidad
and Tobago, between 17 and 19 April.
The 34 heads of state and government discussed the Summit's three principal themes: human prosperity, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain was adopted by consensus at the close of the Summit on 19 April. Based on the three
themes, the Declaration fails to lay out a clear human rights framework for progress in these areas.
A number of governments, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Honduras, indicated that they were not prepared to formally sign
the Declaration. Leaders agreed to instead adopt it by consensus and have Trinidadian Prime Minister Manning sign on behalf of all
leaders.
The governments that had registered objections did not feel that the Declaration deals adequately with the current global economic crisis.
They also wanted to see strong references to the issue of Cuba's reintegration into Organization of American States (OAS) and the lifting
of the US embargo against Cuba.
Amnesty International delegates at the Summit urged the governments of the region to make a firm commitment to ensuring that all
measures taken in response to the current global economic crisis fully conform to their human rights obligations. But the recognition in
the Declaration of the responsibility governments have to address the crisis does not acknowledge human rights at all.
"At a time of global economic turmoil and with a new spirit of compromise in the air between the government of US President Barrack
Obama and other governments in the Americas this Summit offered an unparalleled opportunity to lay out a strong human rights vision
for the Americas," said Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, who was part of the Amnesty International
delegation at the Summit. "Instead, human rights have once again been pushed to the back."
Amnesty International had made a number of recommendations as to ways in which an earlier draft of the Declaration needed to be
strengthened with regard to human rights. The organization said it was disappointed that there were no such improvements in the final
Declaration.
"Governments must unequivocally agree that human rights obligations will guide their efforts to address the economic crisis,” said Alex
Neve. “If not, there is a very real risk that both the crisis and the response to it will deepen inequalities and lead to widespread violations
of the rights of marginalized sectors of society in the Americas."
Amnesty International said that it was also deeply concerned that the Summit process excluded important voices from being heard in a
meaningful way, particularly Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples, organizing the third Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas,
had been forced to hold their gathering in Panama after being told that it would not be possible to find a venue in Trinidad and Tobago.
"Grave violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples are among the most pressing challenges throughout the Americas," said Alex Neve.
"As such, strengthened protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples should be one of the priority concerns at every Summit of the
Americas. The exclusion and marginalization of Indigenous peoples at this Summit was disrespectful and unacceptable."
"Governments must make amends and demonstrate that they are committed to improved protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples
by moving rapidly to finalize and adopt a strong American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples."
Click here to read more »
Belize
Belize: Child Soldier Global Report 2001
From the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers
The law allows for the establishment of obligatory national service whenever voluntary applicants for the Belize Defence Force are not
sufficient. However, applicants have regularly been in excess of available spaces by at least three-to-one, and enlistment has been entirely
voluntary throughout the force's existence. The army provides the prospect of a steady job in a country with relatively high
unemployment rates. The 1977 Defence Ordinance sets the minimum age of eighteen for enlistment. Service can be for various terms
and includes both a period of active service and a subsequent reserve obligation. Under the law, service should not exceed twenty-two
years of active duty. In a state of emergency, volunteers and reserve forces can be called up for permanent service.
June 12, 2001 Multi Country Report
Belize: Landmine Monitor Report 2000
Belize signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 27 February 1998 and ratified on 23 April 1998, the tenth nation to do so. Belize submitted its
Article 7 transparency report on 4 November 1999. Belize has not yet enacted domestic implementing legislation.25 The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs confirmed to Landmine Monitor that "to date Belize has not yet reached the stage of implementing laws for the
enforcement of the aforementioned Convention of Ottawa."26 It appears other legislation has taken priority over the Mine Ban Treaty for
now.
August 1, 2000 Multi Country Report
Click here to read more »
Belize: Child Soldier Global Report 2001
From the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers
The law allows for the establishment of obligatory national service whenever voluntary applicants for the Belize Defence Force are not
sufficient. However, applicants have regularly been in excess of available spaces by at least three-to-one, and enlistment has been entirely
voluntary throughout the force's existence. The army provides the prospect of a steady job in a country with relatively high
unemployment rates. The 1977 Defence Ordinance sets the minimum age of eighteen for enlistment. Service can be for various terms
and includes both a period of active service and a subsequent reserve obligation. Under the law, service should not exceed twenty-two
years of active duty. In a state of emergency, volunteers and reserve forces can be called up for permanent service.
June 12, 2001 Multi Country Report
Belize: Landmine Monitor Report 2000
Belize signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 27 February 1998 and ratified on 23 April 1998, the tenth nation to do so. Belize submitted its
Article 7 transparency report on 4 November 1999. Belize has not yet enacted domestic implementing legislation.25 The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs confirmed to Landmine Monitor that "to date Belize has not yet reached the stage of implementing laws for the
enforcement of the aforementioned Convention of Ottawa."26 It appears other legislation has taken priority over the Mine Ban Treaty for
now.
August 1, 2000 Multi Country Report
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT H.E. MRS. JANINE COYE-FELSON AMBASSADOR, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF BELIZE
AT THE HIGH-LEVEL PLENARY MEETING OF THE SIXTY-FIFTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
21 SEPTEMBER 2010
Mr. President,
Twenty nine years ago on this very day, Belize became an independent country. I was a child then and like any child in 1981, the
concept of independence was foreign. For our parents, independence meant freedom and the opportunity for their children to be the
authors of their future through the establishment of democratic institutions representing and reflecting the voice of the people.
Until children have reached adulthood, we - as parents, as members of the global community, as political actors - bear responsibility for
their future. Each and every one of us becomes a caretaker ensuring that our children have the basic necessities of life. We must provide
them with a decent standard of living, education, a healthy environment, and security to allow them to realize their full potential as adults.
Their future is dependent on what we do now.
In the early morning of the twelfth of September, only a few days after Belizeans celebrated a day when our forefathers emerged
victorious in the Battle of Saint George's Caye - a defining moment for our nationhood and sovereignty - another battle was waged in an
impoverished neighbourhood in Belize City.
That battle ended in the death of an eight year old girl deep in slumber. One would expect that such a loss would have inspired
murderous rage. Instead that child's mother spoke with absolute resolve and complete faith that her daughter's death would be avenged
in justice.
Her expectations are no different from those of the young mother in Haiti, as we hear in her quiet words that plea for something to be
done.
We as a nation of Belize and her people affirm our determination to recapture the potential of now, so that our children's generation and
the generation beyond, is enabled to define their future.
In the words of our national prayer, we thus commit that "all our endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the
increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge."
I thank you.
Click here to read more »
AT THE HIGH-LEVEL PLENARY MEETING OF THE SIXTY-FIFTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
21 SEPTEMBER 2010
Mr. President,
Twenty nine years ago on this very day, Belize became an independent country. I was a child then and like any child in 1981, the
concept of independence was foreign. For our parents, independence meant freedom and the opportunity for their children to be the
authors of their future through the establishment of democratic institutions representing and reflecting the voice of the people.
Until children have reached adulthood, we - as parents, as members of the global community, as political actors - bear responsibility for
their future. Each and every one of us becomes a caretaker ensuring that our children have the basic necessities of life. We must provide
them with a decent standard of living, education, a healthy environment, and security to allow them to realize their full potential as adults.
Their future is dependent on what we do now.
In the early morning of the twelfth of September, only a few days after Belizeans celebrated a day when our forefathers emerged
victorious in the Battle of Saint George's Caye - a defining moment for our nationhood and sovereignty - another battle was waged in an
impoverished neighbourhood in Belize City.
That battle ended in the death of an eight year old girl deep in slumber. One would expect that such a loss would have inspired
murderous rage. Instead that child's mother spoke with absolute resolve and complete faith that her daughter's death would be avenged
in justice.
Her expectations are no different from those of the young mother in Haiti, as we hear in her quiet words that plea for something to be
done.
We as a nation of Belize and her people affirm our determination to recapture the potential of now, so that our children's generation and
the generation beyond, is enabled to define their future.
In the words of our national prayer, we thus commit that "all our endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the
increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge."
I thank you.
Click here to read more »
“Get it settled” for dialysis patients, Ombudsman tells GOB
08/01/2010
Ombudsman Cynthia Pitts has been called in to broker a resolution of the problems facing 21 dialysis patients on a government-
subsidized program at Belize Healthcare Partners Limited (BHPL), after more discontent came to the fore this week over the quality of
service and a request from management that all patients should sign informed consent forms before any staff there can touch them.
The heart of the dispute, however, continues to be over the lack of dedicated doctors to attend to patients while they are on dialysis,
especially when faced with complications and emergency situations—the same issue over which the hospital’s lead dialysis nurse, Maria
Ack, had resigned at the end of 2009.
“Let us get it settled,” said Pitts, appealing that every attempt should be made to ensure patients, who are “staring death in the face,” are
happy.
During the process of her investigations, said Pitts, she was informed that Belize is the only place where patients on dialysis don’t have a
doctor present.
The Ombudsman wrote Dr. Peter Allen, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, yesterday with recommendations.
Ombudsman Pitts met this morning with Director of Health Services, Dr. Michael Pitts, who told her that he does not have a copy of the
government’s agreement with BHPL. Ms. Pitts said that she is requesting a copy of the document from Dr. Allen.
“The government is obliged to take care of its citizens,” said Ombudsman Pitts, calling the situation a matter of life and death.
Belize does not have a nephrologist; however, there is a Cuban nephrologist attached to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The
Ministry of Health claims, though, that because of the terms of her assignment, she cannot be stationed at a private hospital.
Dialysis activist, Jose Cruz, 1 of 21 patients on a government program which allows them to get a basic dialysis hook-up for free at
BHPL, had reported to Pitts that they don’t have access to a doctor and their pleas had, before last month, fallen on deaf ears.
Pitts agrees with Cruz that a concession should have been made by BHPL to take back Nurse Maria Ack, but she understands that the
hospital’s board does not want her back.
However, the information coming to her office is that BHPL is willing to hire trained nurses and technicians from Guatemala, when
Belize has trained nurses right here, including Ack.
BHPL now says it will bring in a nephrologist from Guatemala, and four doctors from the hospital will be assigned to the unit on call, she
informed.
Ombudsman Pitts said that one of the problems patients had faced in the past was that patients did not get immediate care, and unless
the doctors know that they are required to attend to patients when they are called in, increasing the number of doctors won’t change a
thing.
The Government has also been looking at an alternative place for treatment, specifically Clinica Carranza, located in Chetumal, Quintana
Roo, in the face of threats from BHPL previously that it would shut down the unit.
The hospital’s management told Amandala recently, however, that they will keep their doors open.
Click here to read more »
08/01/2010
Ombudsman Cynthia Pitts has been called in to broker a resolution of the problems facing 21 dialysis patients on a government-
subsidized program at Belize Healthcare Partners Limited (BHPL), after more discontent came to the fore this week over the quality of
service and a request from management that all patients should sign informed consent forms before any staff there can touch them.
The heart of the dispute, however, continues to be over the lack of dedicated doctors to attend to patients while they are on dialysis,
especially when faced with complications and emergency situations—the same issue over which the hospital’s lead dialysis nurse, Maria
Ack, had resigned at the end of 2009.
“Let us get it settled,” said Pitts, appealing that every attempt should be made to ensure patients, who are “staring death in the face,” are
happy.
During the process of her investigations, said Pitts, she was informed that Belize is the only place where patients on dialysis don’t have a
doctor present.
The Ombudsman wrote Dr. Peter Allen, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, yesterday with recommendations.
Ombudsman Pitts met this morning with Director of Health Services, Dr. Michael Pitts, who told her that he does not have a copy of the
government’s agreement with BHPL. Ms. Pitts said that she is requesting a copy of the document from Dr. Allen.
“The government is obliged to take care of its citizens,” said Ombudsman Pitts, calling the situation a matter of life and death.
Belize does not have a nephrologist; however, there is a Cuban nephrologist attached to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The
Ministry of Health claims, though, that because of the terms of her assignment, she cannot be stationed at a private hospital.
Dialysis activist, Jose Cruz, 1 of 21 patients on a government program which allows them to get a basic dialysis hook-up for free at
BHPL, had reported to Pitts that they don’t have access to a doctor and their pleas had, before last month, fallen on deaf ears.
Pitts agrees with Cruz that a concession should have been made by BHPL to take back Nurse Maria Ack, but she understands that the
hospital’s board does not want her back.
However, the information coming to her office is that BHPL is willing to hire trained nurses and technicians from Guatemala, when
Belize has trained nurses right here, including Ack.
BHPL now says it will bring in a nephrologist from Guatemala, and four doctors from the hospital will be assigned to the unit on call, she
informed.
Ombudsman Pitts said that one of the problems patients had faced in the past was that patients did not get immediate care, and unless
the doctors know that they are required to attend to patients when they are called in, increasing the number of doctors won’t change a
thing.
The Government has also been looking at an alternative place for treatment, specifically Clinica Carranza, located in Chetumal, Quintana
Roo, in the face of threats from BHPL previously that it would shut down the unit.
The hospital’s management told Amandala recently, however, that they will keep their doors open.
Click here to read more »
Belize: Protect Students from Discrimination and Expulsion. Take action now.
BELIZE, 03/12/2009
Join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) in
calling on the Ministry of Education of Belize and other authorities to take legal action to ensure that Jose Garcia is not prevented from
attending school because of his sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and to protect him from harassment and
discrimination.
Source: IGLHRC
Expelled!
On October 1 and 5, 2009, Jose Garcia, a 19-year-old student at Baptist School of Adult and Continuing Education in Belmopan, Belize,
received letters from the school threatening to dismiss him is because "he acts like a girl," "dresses effeminately," "uses the female
bathroom," and "carries a purse as his school bag." On October 20, Jose received a letter from the school principal, Norman Willacey,
asking that Jose withdraw from the school and seek counseling. Later, he told Jose, "You have me so embarrassed. I don't want to see
you here in the compound. If you [don't] leave right now I will call the police!"
Authorities seem to be unwilling to act to protect Jose Garcia's right to education. The Public Information Officer of Belmopan, Arlette
Gomez, has stated that it is their aim to ensure that Mr. Garcia's constitutional rights are not being infringed upon and that the guidelines
of the Education Act and Rules are being followed. The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, has also stated that the school is "bound to
follow the constitution, otherwise anybody can take them to court." Nonetheless, the Minister has offered no concrete protection for
Jose Garcia, stating that "it is a Baptist High School, there is not much the Ministry can do."
“I am not hurting anybody because of the way I dress.”
Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in education systems is a serious problem all over the
world that has not been addressed at all. Harassment, mistreatment, violence, and other human rights violations threaten students'
physical or emotional well-being, influence how well students do in school, make it difficult for students to achieve their career goals,
and excludes thousands of students all over the world entirely from education systems.
All people have the right to education under international human rights law without discrimination based on, and taking into account
sexual orientation and gender identity (Yogyakarta Principle 16). Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),
Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights
of the Child (CRC) and the Convention against Discrimination in Education, all of which Belize is party to, ensure the right to education
of all. Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the
ICESCR are explicitly interpreted to include protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity
(Human Rights Committee: Toonen v. Australia; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights General Comment 20; Committee
Against Torture General Comment 2).
Furthermore, the right to education without discrimination exists in Belize law as well. The preamble to the Belize Constitution states that
"a just system should be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality," and the Education Act dictates that "[s]
chools shall be free of gender, racial and other biases (Art. 25 (2))." Jose Garcia's rights to education and non-discrimination under
international and Belize law are being violated by his expulsion, threatening all other rights underpinned by equal access to education,
including his right to work, to housing, and to health.
Click here to read more>>
BELIZE, 03/12/2009
Join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) in
calling on the Ministry of Education of Belize and other authorities to take legal action to ensure that Jose Garcia is not prevented from
attending school because of his sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and to protect him from harassment and
discrimination.
Source: IGLHRC
Expelled!
On October 1 and 5, 2009, Jose Garcia, a 19-year-old student at Baptist School of Adult and Continuing Education in Belmopan, Belize,
received letters from the school threatening to dismiss him is because "he acts like a girl," "dresses effeminately," "uses the female
bathroom," and "carries a purse as his school bag." On October 20, Jose received a letter from the school principal, Norman Willacey,
asking that Jose withdraw from the school and seek counseling. Later, he told Jose, "You have me so embarrassed. I don't want to see
you here in the compound. If you [don't] leave right now I will call the police!"
Authorities seem to be unwilling to act to protect Jose Garcia's right to education. The Public Information Officer of Belmopan, Arlette
Gomez, has stated that it is their aim to ensure that Mr. Garcia's constitutional rights are not being infringed upon and that the guidelines
of the Education Act and Rules are being followed. The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, has also stated that the school is "bound to
follow the constitution, otherwise anybody can take them to court." Nonetheless, the Minister has offered no concrete protection for
Jose Garcia, stating that "it is a Baptist High School, there is not much the Ministry can do."
“I am not hurting anybody because of the way I dress.”
Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in education systems is a serious problem all over the
world that has not been addressed at all. Harassment, mistreatment, violence, and other human rights violations threaten students'
physical or emotional well-being, influence how well students do in school, make it difficult for students to achieve their career goals,
and excludes thousands of students all over the world entirely from education systems.
All people have the right to education under international human rights law without discrimination based on, and taking into account
sexual orientation and gender identity (Yogyakarta Principle 16). Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),
Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights
of the Child (CRC) and the Convention against Discrimination in Education, all of which Belize is party to, ensure the right to education
of all. Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the
ICESCR are explicitly interpreted to include protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity
(Human Rights Committee: Toonen v. Australia; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights General Comment 20; Committee
Against Torture General Comment 2).
Furthermore, the right to education without discrimination exists in Belize law as well. The preamble to the Belize Constitution states that
"a just system should be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality," and the Education Act dictates that "[s]
chools shall be free of gender, racial and other biases (Art. 25 (2))." Jose Garcia's rights to education and non-discrimination under
international and Belize law are being violated by his expulsion, threatening all other rights underpinned by equal access to education,
including his right to work, to housing, and to health.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
President since 6 February 1952
President since 6 February 1952
Sir Colville Young
Governor General since 17 November 1993
Governor General since 17 November 1993
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Belize is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; the most common form of trafficking in Belize is the internal sex trafficking of
minors; some Central American men, women, and children, particularly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, migrate
voluntarily to Belize in search of work but are subsequently subjected to conditions of forced labor or forced prostitution
Tier rating: Belize is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite efforts to raise public awareness of human trafficking and
provide protection services for trafficking victims, the government did not show evidence of progress in convicting and sentencing
trafficking offenders last year (2009)
commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; the most common form of trafficking in Belize is the internal sex trafficking of
minors; some Central American men, women, and children, particularly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, migrate
voluntarily to Belize in search of work but are subsequently subjected to conditions of forced labor or forced prostitution
Tier rating: Belize is placed on Tier 2 Watch List because it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite efforts to raise public awareness of human trafficking and
provide protection services for trafficking victims, the government did not show evidence of progress in convicting and sentencing
trafficking offenders last year (2009)
Gaspar Vega
Deputy Prime Minister since 8 February 2008
Deputy Prime Minister since 8 February 2008
