Today, the US gave Belize another "F" for its progress against human trafficking. For the second year in a row, Belize continues to be listed as a "Tier 3" country - which means that, by the interpretation of the US State Department, the Belize does not meet the minimum standards and is not making significant efforts to do so.
So, just to make it clear, countries that do the most to fight human trafficking are listed in Tier 1. Those that do the least - are listed in Tier 3. Belize is the only tier 3 country in Central America.
The report notes that there are 17 pending cases from previous years, but for 2016, no new prosecutions have started, even though law enforcement raids increased when compared to last year's number. Though it does not specify, the TIPs report says, quote, "The government did not investigate or prosecute any public officials for alleged complicity in human trafficking-related offenses, despite reports of a significant level of official complicity." End quote.
According to the TIPs report, the Government's main enforcement effort against the sex trade consists mainly of police raids on venues suspected of conducting human trafficking. However, it notes, quote, "Many off-duty police officers provided security for sex trade establishments, which may have inhibited victims from coming forward and officers from investigating allegations of trafficking in the sex trade" End Quote.
Another part of the report which caught our attention is the assessment that the Belize authorities do not do enough to protect Human trafficking victims. It even suggests that current police practices may be re-victimizing these persons.
The report says, quote, "officials screened more than 250 women and girls suspected to be sex trafficking victims in 2015 and identified five victims through this method.
Many women and girls, potentially including trafficking victims, were arrested, jailed, or deported for immigration violations. Victims' fear of detention or deportation may have made them reluctant to communicate with law enforcement…" End quote.
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