Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2025. 4:28 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: Belize is moving closer to modernizing its justice system with a groundbreaking DNA Bill that would give law enforcement and prosecutors access to scientific tools to better investigate and prosecute crimes. The bill, still in draft form, is being refined through national consultations led by the National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
At a stakeholder validation workshop held this past week, experts from the legal, security, and civil sectors reviewed the draft and offered feedback. The legislation is expected to establish a national DNA database and set clear protocols for the collection, storage, analysis, and use of DNA evidence in criminal cases.
UNDP Team Lead Amilin Mendez said the bill would be transformative for victims and the accused alike. “If your DNA clears you, you won’t have to sit on remand. If you’re a victim, you may get justice faster,” she explained.
Executive Director of NFSS Gian Cho added that while Belize already uses fingerprint databases, this new legislation will set stronger international standards to protect privacy and ensure fairness. The bill also outlines who can access the DNA database, how long data is stored, and how it must be handled to meet global best practices.
The government hopes to present the bill to Cabinet later this month and have it passed by the end of 2025.
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The post Belize drafts first DNA bill to modernize criminal justice system appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Belize is moving closer to modernizing its justice system with a groundbreaking DNA Bill that would give law enforcement and prosecutors access to scientific tools to better investigate and prosecute crimes. The bill, still in draft form, is being refined through national consultations led by the National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The post Belize drafts first DNA bill to modernize criminal justice system appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
