Belize: State of Emergency

Trying to manage one of the highest murder rates in the world, last month the government of Belize declared a state of emergency in several neighbourhoods of the country. This has led to fears of a contravention of human rights as hundreds of gang members have been detained.

Organised Crime in Belize??

Belize is on the cocaine-trafficking route north towards the United States. Belizean organised criminal gangs are involved in drug-trafficking, human-trafficking, illegal logging and poaching. They have business interests in Belmopan and Belize City, as well as links to corrupt politicians. As a result, organised crime is a long-running concern, and has given rise to high levels of gun crime.

Murder Rate

Belize has had one of the world’s highest murder rates over the last 20 years (particularly in Belize City). Since 2014, the murder rate has ranged between 26 and 38 per 100,000 population (according to UNODC statistics). In 2022, the rate was 27.9 per 100,000 – higher than Mexico (26.1) and lower only than Honduras (35.1) on mainland North America.

?85 people were murdered in 2023, a rate of 19.1 per 100,000 – one of the lowest rates for 20 years. After this comparative improvement, murders have spiked again in early 2024: since January, 26 people have been murdered, a 37% increase on 2023, most the result of gang rivalries. ?

State of Emergency

The government declared a 30-day state of emergency in the Southside neighbourhood of Belize City, Hattieville, and parts of Cayo District (Roaring Creek Village, Another World Area, Young Bank Area, Camalote Village). It began on 26 March, after a week in which three men (including one policeman) were murdered and three injured in six separate firearms incidents.

?On 26 March, police and soldiers moved into the respective neighbourhoods in large numbers, with the power to arrest and detain suspected gang members. Over several days, police officers have lined the pavements of the neighbourhoods and arrested suspected gang members, sending them to prison for the duration of the state of emergency. In addition to detentions, the state of emergency involves curfews, and the stopping and searching of vehicles and pedestrians across affected neighbourhoods.

Comparisons with El Salvador

Belize is not an authoritarian state, and is labelled as “free” in the Freedom House 2024 Global Freedom Index, ahead of “partly free” El Salvador. However, comparisons will be made with the zero-tolerance approach of Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele towards gangs: since 2022, over 70,000 criminals have been detained by a government whose approval ratings continue to rise. Belizean journalists have suggested that the state of emergency amounts to a contravention of the human rights of local residents. They have accused the police of effectively admitting defeat by relying on authoritarian powers. This accusation has been denied by the chief of police, who claims that the Belizean state of emergency may be extended beyond one month “by a resolution passed by the National Assembly” if it is considered successful.

Travel Advice

Belize is a popular tourist destination for travellers seeking to enjoy its jungle wildlife, archaeological sites and barrier reef attractions. Those travelling through the capital city and neighbourhoods of Belize City must be careful to consider their own security.

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• In Belize City, remain in the tourist zone, reconsidering any travel into Southside or out to Hattieville.
• In Belmopan, remain in the commercial centre, reconsidering any travel into Roaring Creek and Camalote villages.
• Exercise caution in all urban areas: stay within commercial zones, avoiding areas of obvious poverty.
• Do not display affluence, travel in groups, avoid isolated areas and do not walk around towns after dark.
• Cooperate with police officers, and be sure to respond to any police demands for stop and search.
• Ensure all documents are carried at all times.
• Only use officially recognised border crossings, but reconsider all travel to the Guatemala border.
• Do not photograph official buildings without permission.
• Be sceptical of strangers offering help, food, drink, gum or cigarettes.
• Never leave food or drink unattended.
• Use only licensed taxis.
• Monitor local media for any expected disturbances, and avoid demonstrations and rallies.

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by Jamie Thomson, MSyI , Head of Risk Analysis, NGS

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