By: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Belize City, Monday, 20 March 2023

Belize, a country that is both a destination and a transit country for migrants and asylum seekers, has expressed its concern over the policy positions adopted by some members of the Commonwealth family. In a statement made by Minister Courtenay, Belize called on the Commonwealth to renew its commitment to the Refugee Convention and Protocol and to ensure the humane treatment of asylum seekers and migrants.

The Minister questioned whether denying the rights accorded to refugees under the Refugee Convention is consistent with building a just society. He also raised concerns about the practice of forcibly transferring asylum seekers to third countries. Belize, which has been confronted with tens of thousands of migrants passing through its country, understands the plight of these vulnerable groups and believes that they should be treated with compassion and humanity.

Belize further called on the Commonwealth family to take up the issue of inhumane and unlawful treatment of migrants and refugees as an emerging and evolving issue. This is an important step towards ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are treated with dignity and respect.

In addition to concerns about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers, Belize also updated Commonwealth foreign ministers on the territorial, insular and maritime claims of Guatemala against Belize. The Commonwealth has long affirmed its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize, and it is important that this support continues.

The statement by Belize highlights the importance of treating all people with compassion and respect, regardless of their status. As a country that is both a destination and a transit country for migrants and asylum seekers, Belize understands the challenges and complexities of managing these issues. The call for renewed commitment to the Refugee Convention and Protocol by the Commonwealth is an important step towards ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are protected and treated with dignity and respect.

Overall, Belize's call for the Commonwealth family to take up the issue of the inhumane and unlawful treatment of migrants and refugees is a timely reminder that we need to treat all people with compassion and respect, regardless of their status.