[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

BELIZE (Tier 2) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report - Belize

The Government of Belize does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Belize remained on Tier 2. These achievements included identifying more victims; improving screening for trafficking indicators, including by finalizing and implementing screening guidelines for frontline officers and training officials on their use; banning worker-paid recruitment fees; conducting an extensive public awareness campaign; and improving data collection. The government, in partnership with an NGO, made an additional shelter available to trafficking victims and supported victims in domestic and foreign trials. The government also created an amnesty program to regularize the immigration status of undocumented migrants, which may reduce their vulnerability to trafficking; at least four confirmed trafficking victims applied for amnesty under the program. However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas. It did not adequately address official complicity in trafficking crimes, nor convict any traffickers, nor initiate any new prosecutions. It also did not adequately oversee labor recruitment nor report investigating allegations of labor trafficking of Indians and People’s Republic of China (PRC) nationals.

Prioritized Recommendations

Implement the anti-trafficking law by vigorously investigating and prosecuting traffickers, including officials allegedly complicit in trafficking crimes, and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms.

Ensure labor and liquor license inspectors comply with domestic laws and policies, which require inspections of workplaces and screening for trafficking indicators.

Improve coordination between the anti-trafficking Police Unit and the Department of Labor and ensure investigations and victim referrals take place in cases the Department of Labor identifies.

Require labor recruiters to participate in the national labor recruiter registry and conduct prevention programs with migrant workers.

Strengthen monitoring of alleged traffickers out on bail, reduce court delays for trafficking cases, and enable the courts to function virtually, including video testimony for the victim.

Increase the anti-trafficking council’s engagement with survivors, including the activities in the NAP.

Ensure restitution is paid, even in cases where the trafficker is indigent.

Provide adequate funding, including to NGOs, for specialized services for victims.

Provide legal support for all victims, including men and children.

Consistently apply formal procedures to identify victims in vulnerable groups; including children at risk of familial trafficking; school children aged 14 to 16; PRC national and Cuban overseas workers, including medical professionals; migrants; refugees; and asylum-seekers, and refer identified victims to services.

Increase training for and efforts to pursue financial crime investigations in tandem with human trafficking cases.