1. PRESS RELEASE
September 27, 2013
Greater Protection for the Children of Belize – Support for the Criminal Code
Amendments
The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) is extremely elated about the
proposed amendments to the Criminal Code which seeks to strengthen the law in relation
to sexual offences against children. As we all know the existing law is unable to
adequately protect our children and for many years a campaign to reform the law has
been ongoing. NCFC applauds the fact that the Amendment Bill, if passed, will afford
equal protection for both our girls and our boys.
The passing of this Amendment Bill would see the increased compliance by Belize with
the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), which requires that in relation to abuse
against children, that each signatory country should have proper legislation to protect
children from abuse and harm. This is of the utmost importance in our children realizing
their rights to protection and so today signals a pivotal move in the right direction.
The NCFC remains committed to advocating on behalf of children and intensifying our
information and advocacy campaigns at the community and family level. The NCFC will
also actively participate in advocating and sensitizing the public on the need for robust
legislation that equally protects our girls and boys from abuse. At the passing of this
Amendment Bill the NCFC will also embark on public education campaign on the
contents of the Amendment Bill.
As we begin the process of reviewing the Amendments and preparing for the next steps,
NCFC urges the public to embrace this process as being in the best interest of our
children. As a society, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in defense of our children
who are the most vulnerable among our citizens. Furthermore we can be proactive and
participate in this process by lending our voice in support to strengthening our laws so
that they provide for the complete protection of all our children’s dignity and innocence.
“Championing the Rights, Welfare and Development of Belizean Families and Children”

2. For any further information contact:
Luwani Cayetano
Executive Director
National Committee for Families and Children
62 Cleghorn Street
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 223.0059
ncfc@btl.net