Thank you, Ms Vice-President,
The United Kingdom welcomes Belize's progress on the draft Disability Bill, which would, if implemented, provide for greater protection and rights for those with disabilities in Belize.
We also welcome the establishment of a Women Parliamentarians Caucus, progress in the number of women appointed to senior positions in public service, and efforts to empower women through supporting entrepreneurship.
Nonetheless, we are concerned by the very high instances of violence and abuse against women and girls, and call on the authorities to ensure that cases are investigated and where appropriate, prosecuted.
We recommend that Belize:
- Significantly steps up efforts to combat violence and abuse against women and girls, in consultation with local women's right organisations, and provide support to victims.
- Abolishes the death penalty and removes it from its legislation.
- Adopts and implements inclusive preventative laws and policies that protect vulnerable groups from violence, discrimination and hate.
Thank you.
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.
