BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – The Belize authorities says it “strongly” condemns all acts of sexual violence in opposition to youngsters amid current stories of what it termed “heinous assaults on minors”.
The Ministry of Human Improvement, Household Help, and Gender Affairs and the Nationwide Fee for Households and Kids (NCFC) mentioned they wished to precise their “deepest outrage and unequivocal condemnation of all acts of sexual violence in opposition to youngsters in Belize.
“Current stories of heinous assaults on minors – together with each girls and boys – spotlight the pressing want for stronger neighborhood vigilance, swift justice, and complete safety mechanisms for our nation’s most weak residents,” they mentioned in an announcement.
Final week, a former Belizean diplomat was granted BDZ$10,000 (One Belize greenback=US$0.49 cents) bail after he appeared in a Justice of the Peace’s court docket, charged with 4 offenses, together with sexual assault, hurt, and procuring defilement by risk.
Mentioned “Badi” Guerra, 50, who as soon as served as Belize’s ambassador to Cuba and beforehand held the workplace of mayor in Benque Viejo del Carmen, appeared in court docket about an incident that occurred July 14, when Guerra was allegedly within the firm of a 16-year-old boy, and the 2 have been reportedly ingesting alcohol.
Within the assertion, the authorities mentioned that sexual violence in opposition to youngsters is a grave violation of their rights, dignity, and well-being.
“It causes lifelong trauma and undermines the very cloth of our society. Such acts are unacceptable underneath any circumstances and must not ever be excused or minimized, whatever the alleged perpetrator’s social, political, or skilled standing.”
They’ve since known as on legislation enforcement businesses to conduct “thorough and speedy investigations into all allegations of kid sexual abuse” in addition to urging the judiciary “to make sure correct and well timed sentencing that displays the seriousness of those crimes and prioritizes the safety of kids”.
They’re additionally urging communities, households, and people to interrupt the silence, report suspected abuse, and help survivors in accessing justice and therapeutic, including that “no particular person – whether or not an strange citizen or a high-ranking official – is above the legislation.
“Perpetrators of sexual violence in opposition to youngsters should face the complete weight of justice,” the ministry, Household Help and Gender Affairs mentioned, reaffirming their dedication to strengthening little one safety programs, supporting survivors with psychological and different social providers, and dealing with companions to advertise prevention, training, and consciousness.
“We urge the media and the general public to deal with these instances with sensitivity to guard the identities and dignity of survivors whereas guaranteeing accountability,” they mentioned, telling the members of the general public that “if or suspect {that a} little one is being abused,” please get in contact with them.
“The Ministry and NCFC will proceed to champion the rights, welfare, and improvement of Belizean youngsters and households.”
