By Belize Live News Staff: Belizeans who feel their rights have been violated could soon have a stronger place to turn.
Government, the UNDP and the European Union have launched a three year project to turn the Office of the Ombudsman into a full National Human Rights Institution.
Under the plan, the office will receive an expanded mandate and better tools to handle complaints, including upgraded case management systems and clearer procedures. Laws will be reviewed, and outreach will be carried out in communities so people know where and how to seek help.
The EU is contributing €400,000 to the effort.
The launch comes at a time when human rights are very much in the national conversation. A state of emergency remains in effect in parts of the Belize and Cayo Districts. A San Pedro police officer was recently charged with aggravated assault after a video showed a gun being placed in a man’s mouth. Attorney Dickie Bradley has urged people who are unlawfully detained to sue, and the Opposition has repeatedly raised concerns about detentions and police accountability.
An institution that meets the Paris Principles is expected to be independent, properly resourced and able to investigate complaints without interference.
Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca signed the agreement on behalf of Belize, with Michael Lind signing for the UNDP.
