By Zoila Palma: Today, the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) issued a statement saying that it is aware of a recent case involving a police officer, which has generated significant public concern following reports that the matter did not proceed in court after the complainant withdrew the case.
“While this situation raises serious issues regarding accountability in cases of domestic violence, the Commission is particularly concerned by the reported physical assault of a child. Any act of violence against a child, especially within the home, where protection and care are expected represents a grave violation of the child’s rights and well-being and demands urgent attention from all responsible authorities,” NCFC said.
“Violence against children is never a private matter. It is a violation of national law and international obligations. In this case, the reported physical harm inflicted on the child constitutes a breach of multiple provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which Belize is a State Party. These include Article 19, which guarantees the child’s right to protection from all forms of physical or mental violence while in the care of parents or guardians; Article 3, which affirms that the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children; Article 6, which protects the child’s right to survival and development; and Article 39, which calls for measures to support the recovery and reintegration of child victims of abuse,” NCFC explained.
The commission says that there is zero tolerance for domestic violence and violence against children in Belize, and accountability must not depend solely on whether a survivor continues with a complaint.
“The recent Domestic Violence Bill addresses these very circumstances by empowering the Court to consider multiple forms of supporting evidence even when a victim is unwilling or unable to give testimony. These include documented police reports, evidence of injuries, professional assessments from social workers or counsellors, witness accounts, and the seriousness and impact of the violence,” NCFC urged.
The commission further explained that the withdrawal of a complaint does not automatically bring an end to the pursuit of protection or accountability particularly where a child’s safety is at risk.
Further, the law places clear responsibilities on responding officers to document incidents through formal reports for submission to the courts and inclusion in the National Domestic Violence Register. These mechanisms are critical safeguards to ensure continuity in cases and to prevent situations where violence against children goes unaddressed.
NCFC noted that the Ministry and the Department of Human Services continue to engage with the Belize Police Department, the Judiciary, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to prioritize the protection and best interests of children found in Article 4 which mandates the government to undertake all appropriate legislative and administrative measures for the implementation of the rights of child.
The post National Commission for Families and Children enforces zero tolerance for domestic violence and violence against children appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) issued a statement saying that it is aware of a recent case involving a police officer, which has generated significant public concern following reports that the matter did not proceed in court after the complainant withdrew the case. “While this situation raises serious
The post National Commission for Families and Children enforces zero tolerance for domestic violence and violence against children appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
