One of Belize’s obligations to its children is to protect them from all forms of exploitation, abuse and neglect; particularly that of sexual abuse.
This very statement became alive and profoundly explicit when Belize became the fifth country to ratify the United Nations convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in May of 1990. That initiative was a bold testament to our country’s recognition of the importance of caring for our children and nurturing them to be responsible and productive citizens.
In this light, Article 19 and 34 of the CRC states that, “Children should be protected from being hurt and mistreated in body or mind and to be free from all forms of sexual abuse”. Keeping this in mind, the recent numerous reports of sexual offenses against children and even infants by the media is more than heart breaking and severely troubling to the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC). Mere words alone cannot express our absolute condemnation of such heinous acts. As adults, we should be protecting our children rather than taking advantage of them. Children will be children and should be given the opportunity to grow and flourish and therefore, NCFC reiterates that sexual abuse of any sort against our children must STOP. Regardless of the status of perpetrators, no one is above the law and that the only consideration is to seek to do what is in the best interest of the child.
In addition, these sexual perpetrators ought to know that any young girl or boy under the age of 16 cannot legally consent to any sexual activities and that any sexual intercourse with these minors can be considered statutory rape. NCFC therefore call on all relevant authorities to properly investigate these alleged sexual cases without any partiality, especially since our children deserve the utmost respect irrespective of who they are.
NCFC also appeals to all parents to be extremely vigilant, especially since sexual acts against minors are becoming quite common lately. As parents we need to be mindful that we are the first line of defense and we are to ensure the safety and protection of our children, as well as provide a safe dwelling place. NCFC therefore urges all parents to report any suspected cases of child abuse. You can call the police hotline at 911 or Human Services at 227-7451. Help us make a difference!
