By Zoila Palma: The Refugees Department has launched a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at reviewing and updating the country’s Refugees Act.
The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with UNHCR and with financial support from the Government of Japan. The consultations are taking place under a joint project focused on strengthening Belize’s asylum system and protection for refugees.
The department said the consultations are intended to ensure that the views of key stakeholders are reflected in proposed amendments to the legislation. The review seeks to fully align Belize’s laws with the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, while also incorporating international best practices and addressing new realities surrounding asylum and international protection in Belize.
UNHCR Officer-in-Charge for Belize, Mariya Voloshkevich, said the consultations are especially significant as the world marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention this year. She noted that the process will help strengthen Belize’s asylum system by improving access to asylum, ensuring fair and timely processing of claims, and expanding sustainable solutions for refugees. Belize became a signatory to the Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol in 1990.
Japan’s Charge d’affaires a.i., Yumiko Shinya, said Japan is honored to support Belize’s efforts to improve protection for refugees and asylum seekers.
Refugees Department Director Nikolai Zelaya said Belize remains committed to building a fair and modern asylum system that protects the dignity and rights of those seeking international protection while strengthening national capacity to address evolving asylum needs.
The post Refugees department launches stakeholder consultations to review and update Refugees Act appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Refugees Department has launched a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at reviewing and updating the country’s Refugees Act. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with UNHCR and with financial support from the Government of Japan. The consultations are taking place under a joint project focused on strengthening Belize’s asylum
The post Refugees department launches stakeholder consultations to review and update Refugees Act appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
