Belize
Our Work in Belize
The Government of Belize is dedicated to decimating trafficking by improving its enforcement of anti-human trafficking laws. We established a formal working relationship with the Government of Belize in 2017 and have since partnered with various agencies to ensure investigators, prosecutors, and social service workers are prepared to move human trafficking cases through the court system efficiently. Belize has made immense progress in improving its response to human trafficking, most notably within its judicial and investigative procedures. In 2020, Belize celebrated its first human trafficking conviction since 2016.
How we have implemented our
proven model in Belize
Our Progress
Specialized Unit
Law Enforcement Expert
Next Steps
Academy
Prosecution Expert
How we work
The Belize Police Department commissioner signed a formal agreement with us in 2018 to form a specialized anti-trafficking unit dedicated solely to investigating human trafficking cases and identifying victims of the crime. We brought in experts and survivor leaders to help the focused investigators move to a dedicated, offsite workspace so victims can safely share their stories without fear of reprisal or identification by the public.
Our expert Law Enforcement Advisor works directly with the specialized human trafficking unit of the Belize Police Department and mentors investigators as they identify and investigate human trafficking cases. He provides daily support and advice as the anti-trafficking investigators navigate sex trafficking and labor trafficking investigations. He also helps develop technical training for police officers conducting trauma-informed investigations.
Our team also includes a Victim Assistance Coordinator who helps coordinate services for victims identified during investigations. She ensures survivors are connected with local service providers and receive the care they need after leaving exploitation. The coordinator also provides support to survivors and assists social workers as survivors prepare to testify during their traffickers’ trials. This position is essential to providing survivors with victim-centered care and connecting them with resources in all areas of the country.
The team on the ground in Belize works with our United States-based staff to create and host an intensive training program for the members of the specialized anti-trafficking unit and other anti-trafficking police, prosecutors, and social workers. Experts from HTI, law enforcement specialists, and victim service professionals provide hands-on training and guide attendees through a simulated human trafficking case from start to finish. The program is designed to improve their investigative techniques and prioritize victim care while simultaneously building an effective and cohesive anti-trafficking working group.
Empower law enforcement officers
in Belize to stop traffickers
Need Help?
If you are in immediate danger in Belize, call 911. To report human trafficking in Belize, call the Crime Stoppers Number:
800-922-TIPS (8477).
If you are in Belize and would like more programmatic information, please send an email to [email protected]
Updates from Belize
HTI and the U.S. Embassy Celebrate the Completion of CARSI ESF Grant, A TIPPING POINT
On Thursday, December 15th, 2022, the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI), the United States Embassy, and members of the Government of Belize celebrated the successful completion of HTI’s two-year initiative to combat human trafficking in Belize. In attendance for the ceremony were members from the Department of Labor, Justices of the Peace Association, Department of Customs and Excise,...