BELMOPAN, Belize, Nov 10, CMC – Belize is moving towards establishing a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) through the expansion and strengthening of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca signed the project document with Michael Lind, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Belize, marking the official launch of the initiative that the authorities say represents an important step in strengthening Belize’s national human rights framework.
It is also intended to equip the Office of the Ombudsman with an expanded mandate, enhanced institutional capacity and the systems needed to address human rights concerns more effectively.
Through legislative reviews, the development of policies and operational procedures, improved case-management systems and community outreach, the project will help establish more accessible and responsive mechanisms for protecting the rights of all Belizeans, particularly vulnerable populations.
Supported by a €400,000 (One Euro=US$1.29 cents) contribution from the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the three-year initiative will also lay the foundation for the institution to work towards compliance with the internationally recognised Paris Principles
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