Posted: Friday, November 7, 2025. 4:09 pm CST.
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs this week provided Cabinet and the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus with an update on the progress of Belize’s national response to gender-based violence (GBV). This response is guided by the National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan (2024–2030), which is embedded within the Revised National Gender Policy (2024–2030).
The Ministry reported significant progress in the areas of policy and legislative reform, as well as in public awareness and advocacy initiatives targeting vulnerable populations across the country—including women, men, boys, and girls. These efforts form part of the Government’s continued commitment to advancing gender equality, safeguarding human rights, and strengthening institutional support for survivors of violence.
In collaboration with the Attorney General’s Ministry, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Family Court, and the Justices of the Peace Association, the Ministry has worked on amendments to the Justices of the Peace Act and the Domestic Violence Act to empower Senior Justices of the Peace to sign interim protection orders when a magistrate is not available. This measure expands protection for victims, particularly during emergencies or after regular court hours. The proposed amendments will be tabled in Parliament at the next sitting of the House of Representatives.
Looking ahead, as part of the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the National Women’s Commission (NWC) will lead national consultations on a revised Domestic Violence Bill. This new Bill modernizes Belize’s legislative response to domestic and intimate partner violence by integrating provisions from the Cybersecurity Act, Protection of Witnesses Act, Electronic Evidence Act, Electronic Transactions Act, and the Legal Aid Act, along with the recently proposed amendments to the Justices of the Peace Act.
The revised Bill will also increase penalties for perpetrators and expand the classification of domestic violence offenses, linking them to broader categories of crimes for which offenders can be charged. These reforms aim to ensure stronger accountability, greater access to justice, and enhanced protection for survivors.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively with partners across government, civil society, and communities to build a Belize where all persons—women, men, boys, and girls—can live free from violence and discrimination.
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Posted: Friday, November 7, 2025. 4:09 pm CST. The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs this week provided Cabinet and the Women’s Parliamentary
The post Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs Updates Cabinet on Progress of National Response to Gender-Based Violence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
