Belize is a Third Safe; U.S. Agreement Targets Asylum Transfers

Belize and the United States have inked a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening refugee protection and ensuring safe, dignified transfers of third-country nationals seeking asylum. The two-year pact, signed in Belmopan, outlines procedures for handling protection requests from Central American and Caribbean nationals, excluding Guatemalans. Under the deal, Belize will consider accepting asylum seekers proposed by the U.S., while both nations commit to upholding international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol, and the Convention Against Torture. The agreement emphasizes non-refoulement, fair asylum procedures, and collaboration to prevent fraud in the refugee process. Operating procedures will be developed before implementation, and the U.S. may provide financial and technical support to boost Belize’s institutional capacity. Either country can terminate or amend the agreement through diplomatic channels. So, here are our questions. How does this agreement align with CARICOM free movement sensitivities and with regional asylum frameworks, given the inclusion of CARICOM nationals among potential transferees? How does this agreement align with CARICOM free movement sensitivities and with regional asylum frameworks, given the inclusion of CARICOM nationals among potential transferees? For those recognized for protection, what is the pathway to residency or citizenship? For those denied, what are the removal destinations and safeguards against chain refoulement?

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“It’s important, Mr. Speaker, to underscore that this agreement is a broad framework. Its signing and later ratification does not mean that persons will be transferred to Belize next week or next month. The agreement will only be activated after we have worked out details of an implementation plan and operating procedures, and then, only if necessary, will the agreement be used. The agreement reflects Belize’s commitment to international law. Its will to cooperate with other countries like the United States of America, our largest trading partner, our largest market for tourism, our very strong ally in the fight against transnational crime, the largest population of our Belizean diaspora. So we have a strong commitment to cooperating with the United States of America. We also have, of course, a commitment to protection of people in fear of persecution and the values and humanity of Belize.”