Belmopan, October 28, 2025.
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs is pleased to announce Belize’s participation in the Regional High-Level Symposium on State Responses to Domestic Violence in the Caribbean, held on October 27–28, 2025, in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The two-day symposium, organized in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Office of the Attorney General of Barbados, convened senior government officials and policymakers from across the region to strengthen legislative and institutional responses to domestic violence.
During the closing session on October 27, participating countries signed the Regional Agreement on Legislative and Policy Priorities on Domestic Violence, a significant declaration of regional solidarity and shared commitment to addressing domestic violence through stronger laws, coordinated policies, and survivor-centered approaches.
Belize was represented by Ms. Eleanor Murillo, Executive Director of the National Women’s Commission, who signed the Agreement on behalf of the country. Her participation reaffirmed Belize’s dedication to regional collaboration and to advancing national efforts to prevent and respond to domestic and gender-based violence.
Notably, Belize’s legislative review of the current Domestic Violence Act is already underway, signalling the Government’s proactive approach to strengthening legal protections and ensuring that the country’s framework remains responsive, comprehensive, and aligned with regional and international standards.
The signing of this Agreement marks a milestone in the Caribbean’s unified efforts to build safer communities, uphold survivors’ rights, and promote justice and accountability across the region.
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