BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – The Belize government says it “strongly” condemns all acts of sexual violence against children amid recent reports of what it termed “heinous assaults on minors”.
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs and the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) said they wanted to express their “deepest outrage and unequivocal condemnation of all acts of sexual violence against children in Belize.
“Recent reports of heinous assaults on minors – including both boys and girls – highlight the urgent need for stronger community vigilance, swift justice, and comprehensive protection mechanisms for our nation’s most vulnerable citizens,” they said in a statement.
Last week, a former Belizean diplomat was granted BDZ$10,000 (One Belize dollar=US$0.49 cents) bail after he appeared in a magistrate’s court, charged with four offenses, including sexual assault, harm, and procuring defilement by threat.
Said “Badi” Guerra, 50, who once served as Belize’s ambassador to Cuba and previously held the office of mayor in Benque Viejo del Carmen, appeared in court about an incident that occurred July 14, when Guerra was allegedly in the company of a 16-year-old boy, and the two were reportedly drinking alcohol.
In the statement, the authorities said that sexual violence against children is a grave violation of their rights, dignity, and well-being.
“It causes lifelong trauma and undermines the very fabric of our society. Such acts are unacceptable under any circumstances and must never be excused or minimized, regardless of the alleged perpetrator’s social, political, or professional standing.”
They have since called on law enforcement agencies to conduct “thorough and immediate investigations into all allegations of child sexual abuse” as well as urging the judiciary “to ensure proper and timely sentencing that reflects the seriousness of these crimes and prioritizes the protection of children”.
They are also urging communities, families, and individuals to break the silence, report suspected abuse, and support survivors in accessing justice and healing, adding that “no individual – whether an ordinary citizen or a high-ranking official – is above the law.
“Perpetrators of sexual violence against children must face the full weight of justice,” the ministry, Family Support and Gender Affairs said, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening child protection systems, supporting survivors with psychological and other social services, and working with partners to promote prevention, education, and awareness.
“We urge the media and the public to handle these cases with sensitivity to protect the identities and dignity of survivors while ensuring accountability,” they said, telling the members of the public that “if you know or suspect that a child is being abused,” please get in touch with them.
“The Ministry and NCFC will continue to champion the rights, welfare, and development of Belizean children and families.”
and then 