The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, in collaboration with the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) and the National Women’s Commission (NWC), hosted a Special Meeting on Understanding Sexual Offences in Belize at the Western Regional Hospital Vaccination Building Conference Room in Belmopan on May 27, 2026.
The session brought together representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement, social services, healthcare, academia, and advocacy organizations to discuss the legal framework surrounding sexual offences in Belize and the challenges survivors often face when seeking justice and support services.
Participants included representatives from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council (A-TIPS), the District Gender and Gender-Based Violence Committee, the Family Support and Gender Affairs Department (FSGAD), the High Court, Galen University, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Human Development Coordinators (HDCs), social planners from the Ministry of Human Development, the National Women’s Commission, the Office of the Special Envoy, the Department of Human Services, and the Police Department’s Gender-Based Violence Response and Investigation Unit (GVRIU).
Facilitated by Justice Antoinette Moore and Justice Natalie Creary-Dixon, discussions focused on sexual offences under Belize’s Criminal Code, including rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, incest, sexual assault, the Sex Offenders Registry, and counseling requirements. Presentations also explored the Trafficking in Persons Act, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), and the Protection of Witnesses Act.
One of the key discussions centered on the experiences of survivors and the gaps that continue to exist from the point of reporting to the court process. Stakeholders also examined opportunities for greater coordination and improvements in services and legal protections.
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs continues to work alongside national partners to promote awareness, strengthen interagency collaboration, and support efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals and families across Belize.
The post Ministry of Human Development hosts Special meeting on understanding sexual offences in Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, in collaboration with the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) and the National Women’s Commission (NWC), hosted a Special Meeting on Understanding Sexual Offences in Belize at the Western Regional Hospital Vaccination Building Conference Room in Belmopan on May 27, 2026. The session brought
The post Ministry of Human Development hosts Special meeting on understanding sexual offences in Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
