BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb. 23, 2021– Back in October, the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) expressed its dire concern and regret over the events that took place at the Belize Central Prison on the 12th and 13th of October. This event is the historic prison break in which a total of twenty-eight (28) prisoners escaped from detention at the Kolbe Foundation’s Belize Central Prison.

The Human Rights Commission is of the belief that this incident could have been avoided if the Visiting Justices System was in place. In a press release dated October 16, 2020, the commission said, “The Commission urges the Minister responsible for prisons in the new administration to make [the reinstatement and appointment of the Visiting Justices] a priority and one of his first actions.”

Today, the Human Rights Commission of Belize has yet again pleaded to the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Kareem Musa, to appoint a Visiting Justice. The HRCB, cognizant of the Prison Act that requires the Justices to be appointed in the first two weeks of January each year, reminds the Minister of the act’s mandate.

The Commission’s concern grew as recent videos surfaced revealing what appeared to be inhumane treatment of prisoners. It is not yet known whether the video was recently made, but if Visiting Justices were appointed, the public would be certain of the living conditions of the Central Prison, the HRCB said.

The HRCB said that it is taking on the cries of the families of those in prison, and it urges the Minister of Affairs to ensure proper treatment in this facility. A recent press release from the Human Rights Commission said, “Families of prisoners have for some time been complaining to the Commission that they have not been able to visit with imprisoned family members or be allowed to leave food, clothing, or blankets for their family members.”

Visiting Justices are tasked with examining the treatment and conduct of prisoners. This provides Visiting Justices with the unrestricted right to speak to any prisoner or visit any area within the prison as they see fit. This ensures the just treatment of prisoners in detention.The HRCB believes the installment of a Visiting Justice will ensure that the rights of these prisoners are upheld.