Posted: Monday, October 20, 2025. 2:55 pm CST.
Press Release
Belizeans Deserve Answers on the “Safe Third Country” Agreement
The Government of Belize has now signed a “Safe Third Country” Agreement with the United States, a decision of profound national consequence, entered into without public consultation, parliamentary debate, or full disclosure of its terms.
This agreement, by its very nature, could reshape Belize’s immigration and asylum systems, impose new financial burdens on taxpayers, and raise serious questions about national sovereignty and security. Yet, the Belizean people have been left to learn of it only after the fact through media reports and partial official statements.
Transparency After the Fact Is Not Transparency
Transparency must precede, not follow, major international commitments. The Government’s failure to disclose the terms, obligations, and safeguards within this agreement undermines public trust and democratic accountability. Belizeans deserve to know exactly what our government has agreed to on our behalf, what limits exist on the number and type of asylum seekers, and how this arrangement will be implemented.
A matter of such magnitude should be debated in the House of Representatives, ratified in the Senate and subjected to wide consultation with civil society, social partners, and the Belizean people before any signature was affixed.
Belize’s Institutional Limitations Cannot Be Ignored
To be designated a “Safe Third Country,” Belize must demonstrate that it can guarantee human rights protections and provide a high standard of care including access to housing, healthcare, legal representation, and social services for asylum seekers.
The reality, however, is stark. Our immigration and asylum systems are understaffed, underfunded, and overwhelmed. Many Belizeans already struggle to access basic services. It is therefore deeply questionable how our institutions could meet the additional obligations imposed by this agreement.
Who Will Pay the Price?
No evidence has been provided that the government conducted a comprehensive financial assessment prior to signing. Will Belizean taxpayers now be responsible for constructing facilities, expanding staff, and financing the infrastructure needed to process and host asylum seekers?
Without clear, upfront funding and technical support, Belize risks assuming responsibilities far beyond our capacity.
International Experience Should Have Been a Warning
Similar “Safe Third Country” arrangements elsewhere have faced legal and ethical challenges. In Canada, the agreement with the United States has been repeatedly contested in court for allegedly violating fundamental rights. In the United Kingdom, the Supreme Court ruled that transferring asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful because Rwanda could not be considered safe.
These examples underscore a critical point: such agreements often raise serious questions about human rights compliance and due process. Belize cannot afford to stumble into the same mistakes.
Belize Must Not Be a Dumping Ground
Equally troubling are recent remarks from the President of the United States describing some migrants entering the U.S. as “the worst criminals.” What then is the intent of transferring such individuals to Belize?
We must be clear: Belize is a compassionate and law-abiding nation. We believe in humanitarian principles. But compassion must never be confused with compliance at any cost. Belize cannot and must not be used as a dumping ground for individuals other countries refuse to accept.
Our country’s sovereignty and the safety of our people cannot be compromised by external political pressures.
A Call for Disclosure and Accountability
Now that the agreement has been signed, the government has an immediate duty to disclose its contents in full. The people must know:
What are the terms and conditions of the arrangement?
What nationalities will be subject to transfer?
What financial support has been pledged by the United States?
What legal and institutional reforms will be required to implement it?
Anything less than full transparency would represent a grave breach of public trust.
Belize’s Interests Must Come First
Our friendship with the United States remains important. True partnership is built on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
In signing this agreement without adequate preparation or consultation, the Government of Belize has acted precipitously. It has exposed the country to obligations that could have long-term social, economic, and legal consequences.
Belize must never compromise its sovereignty, its values, or its people’s welfare for the sake of expedience. This is a time for clarity, accountability, and courage, not secrecy.
The Belizean people deserve answers, and they deserve them now.
Hon Tracy Taegar Panton
Leader of the Opposition
Representative of the People, Albert
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The post Opposition expresses grave concern on the Signing of the Safe Third Country Agreement between Belize and the United States appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, October 20, 2025. 2:55 pm CST. Press Release Belizeans Deserve Answers on the “Safe Third Country” Agreement The Government of Belize has now signed
The post Opposition expresses grave concern on the Signing of the Safe Third Country Agreement between Belize and the United States appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
