7 News Belize

US Human Right Report Criticizes Corruption in Belize
posted (April 20, 2018)
The US State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor today published its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017. The report does not single out Belize for any great or excessive abuses, but notes, quote,
"The most significant human rights issues included allegations of unlawful killings by security officers, which the authorities investigated and prosecuted; allegations of corruption by government agents; allegations that several killings were motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity; trafficking in persons; and child labor." End quote.

It continues, quote "In some cases the government took steps to prosecute public officials who committed abuses, both administratively and through the courts, but there were few successful prosecutions. While some lower-ranking officials faced disciplinary action and/or criminal charges, higher-ranking officials were less likely to face punishment, resulting in a perception of impunity."

Notably, under the heading, "Freedom of Expression, Including for the Press", the report notes the actions of Mace Bearer Yellowman who, quote, "physically assaulted two members of the press and threatened another, who was covering a protest in the Senate. The government did not immediately censure him, but he was eventually suspended from attending subsequent sessions." End quote.

And it also notes, quote, "In September a female journalist was physically assaulted by an officer attached to the Special Patrol Unit of the Police while she was covering a political event in Orange Walk. She subsequently made a formal complaint to the PSB. The minister of state of home affairs responded to the incident by stating, "The police department has a job to do and in that situation we have always asked the media to stay a distance away from the situation."" End quote.

Under the heading "Corruption", the report notes, quote, "Allegations of corruption in government among public officials, including ministers, chief executive officers, and deputy ministers, were numerous, although no substantial proof was presented in most cases. Investigations into corruption within the Immigration and Nationality Department in the 2011-13 period continued and uncovered several instances of questionable activities involving high-ranking government officials, including ministers of government."

You can find a link to the full report at 7newsbelize.com.

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