Belize Completes Training to Strengthen Justice Response for Children

Belize has completed a specialized judicial training aimed at improving the way the justice system responds to cases involving children and victims of human trafficking.

The two-day training, titled “Promoting Child-Centered Justice: A Judicial Training on Trafficking in Persons, Restorative Justice, and Diversion,” was organized by the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, in collaboration with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council, the Child Justice Committee, and the Judicial Education Institute of the Senior Courts of Belize.

The programme brought together members of the judiciary and justice sector stakeholders to strengthen their knowledge of child protection, human trafficking, restorative justice, and approaches that place the rights and well-being of children at the center of decision-making.

During the opening ceremony, Chief Justice Madam Louise Esther Blenman highlighted the important role of the judiciary in ensuring that vulnerable children and survivors receive a fair and responsive justice process. Participants explored topics including trauma-informed decision-making, victim-centered approaches, culturally sensitive adjudication, and the role of judicial officers in Belize’s child justice system.

The training also included discussions on restorative justice, child diversion programmes, and strategies to improve cooperation among agencies working with children.

Experts from Belize and the Caribbean shared their experiences, including trauma specialists, legal professionals, judges, and child justice practitioners.