Belize & U.S. Finalize Asylum Deal Under Third Safe Country Agreement

This morning, Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca announced that asylum seekers in the U.S could be transferred to Belize under a new Third Safe Country Agreement. According to Minister Fonseca, the agreement is nearing completion. There’s been talk for a while now about a possible agreement with the U.S.; but today, we got the first official confirmation that negotiations are actually happening. Fonseca says the government is in active talks, and here’s the important part: Belize’s interests won’t be left behind. He says the deal will include several safeguards to make sure the country is protected.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Safe Third Country Agreements are not new. It seeds are sown into the preamble of the Refugee Convention which recognizes that states need to cooperate among selves to discharge obligations. These agreements have been used by countries for decades. In other words, a Safe Third Country Agreement can be a perfectly legal tool to share responsibilities related to their refugee obligation in an orderly manner while protecting the rights of the asylum seeker. The agreement we are finalizing with the United States is such a framework for cooperation. It rests firmly on our international legal obligation. Under this agreement asylum seekers in the United States could be transferred to Belize for the determination of their claim. The agreement contains multiple safeguards to protect the interest of Belize, included an unqualified vito of who is transferred to Belize, restrictions of the nationalities that could be transferred, a cap on the number of transfers per year and consideration of criminal records and professional skills. The agreement is for two years in the first instance and either party can terminate or suspend at any time, by providing written notice.”