Government Pushes New Laws to Strengthen Protections Against Gender Based Violence

On day two of the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly, Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, outlined several key milestones within her ministry, with a strong focus on advancing gender equality and strengthening protections for vulnerable groups.  In her presentation, Garcia-Ramirez highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize Belize’s social protection framework, including initiatives aimed at addressing gender-based violence, supporting families, and safeguarding minors and the elderly.  Among the updates, she noted the revision of a national parenting handbook, which is intended to better guide families in raising children in safe and supportive environments. She also referenced legislative efforts geared toward enhancing protections for minors and senior citizens, ensuring that both groups are better covered under evolving social policies.  A major highlight of her contribution was the introduction of new legislation tabled just yesterday to modernize Belize’s response to gender-based violence. The minister emphasized that the bill takes into account the reality that many cases of abuse occur in relationships where individuals are not cohabiting, an area she says has not been adequately addressed under existing laws.

Garcia-Ramirez says the proposed changes are aimed at closing critical gaps in protection and ensuring that more victims can access justice and support services.