Now is the time for the US to start getting a commitment from Belize to make some real changes that would have real impact on blocking human traffickers: tightening immigration and strengthening and enforcing liquor license laws,” said ORT President Vivian Trill. “Send the Appeal to these two governments telling them that you want real action on human trafficking to avert Tier 3 status for Belize.”
Appeal #5 contains recommendations for how the U.S. and Belize governments can work together to avert Tier 3 status for Belize. The Appeal recommends that in upcoming reviews and negotiations, the two countries establish a commitment that Belize will:
· Strengthen and enforce its immigration policies - regulate border protocol· Strengthen and enforce liquor licensing laws - address forced prostitution “These actions would seriously block human traffickers by checking the flow across borders and cutting off their real customers, the bar owner who force human trafficking victims into prostitution,” said Trill. “As always, we are also asking that Belize enforce its current human trafficking laws to prosecute and convict human trafficking criminals.”
Belize finds itself in a position where next year it could face Tier 3 designation as a worst-list human trafficking nation. With Tier 3 status comes the potential for economic sanctions. Under the American anti-trafficking in persons act, Belize has the option to negotiate with the US to avoid Tier 3 status.
For two years in a row, the US has designated Belize a Tier 2 Watch List nation under the American Trafficking in Victims Protection Act. That means that it does not fully comply with minimum standards for addressing human trafficking. There are no sanctions attached to Tier 2 Watch List status. Potential economic sanctions for Tier 3 designation include US opposition to assistance from financial institutions such as the World Bank or International Monetary Fund. ORT promotes traveling for a better world.
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