The Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) is speaking out against what it describes as a disturbing rise in violence targeting members of the disability community. BAPDA issued a strong condemnation over the weekend following the tragic murder of Luke Jones, a disabled Belize City resident, and his mother, Evadnie Jones.
The two were found shot to death outside their home on Cedar Street Saturday afternoon. Residents reported hearing gunfire in the area the night before.
Luke Jones was a member of BAPDA and had been living with a physical disability.
In its statement, BAPDA called the recent wave of attacks against persons with disabilities a “grave violation of human rights” and an example of “deep-rooted stigma and discrimination.” BAPDA says that all disabled persons deserve to live with dignity, safety, and access to equal opportunity, without fear of violence or marginalization.
“We are devastated by this senseless act and extend our deepest condolences to the Jones family in this time of unimaginable grief,” BAPDA wrote.
It added, “Such violent attacks are not only repulsive crimes, but they also expose vicious social attitudes that dehumanize and exclude people with disabilities.”
BAPDA is calling on government authorities, civil society groups, and the wider public to take a stand against ableism and to work toward creating a safer, more inclusive Belize.
“No one’s life should be considered less valuable because of a disability,” the group concluded.