Human rights centre opens at U.B.
The University of Belize and San Carlos University of Guatemala are jointly hosting an international conference this week in Belize. The forum brings together scholars both from home and abroad to discuss the role of higher education institutions in Central America and the Caribbean in conflict prevention, resolution, and regional integration. At the opening of the international forum on Monday, U.B. officially launched the Belize Centre for Human Rights Studies in Belmopan. Member of the steering committee that founded the centre, Myrna Manzanares, says it’s a development tool that will benefit the entire country.
Myrna Manzanares, Member, Founding Steering Committee
“The centre is a non-profit, independent, and autonomous educational institution, which was established in January 2004 by a group of men, women, and young people committed to human rights, justice, and peace. Our vision is of a society in Belize where individuals at all level apply and respect human rights principles at the different levels of their decision making processes.”
Prime Minister Said Musa
“This centre will bring together academics, professionals, students, and members of the community in a forum for open dialogue on the status of human rights, not only in Belize but in the region and in the world. It should promote a better understanding of the historical, political, social, and cultural context in which human rights are treated and create a greater awareness of our individual roles in the promotion and protection of the rights of others. As a famous Mexican once put it, respect for the rights of others is peace. Human rights are our natural and inalienable rights that go to the very basis of our humanity.”
George Price, Former Prime Minister
“A university takes in the whole world in its pursuit of knowledge. Knowledge is a treasure to share with others. Would that the graduate and students share this treasure, serving and leading others from poverty to a better life. The conference addresses important matters. Two topics, if taken together can incubate a contradiction and create another problem. One is conflict prevention, conflict resolution; the other is human rights studies. There is no conflict with human rights and human duties, no conflict, because every right has a corresponding duty and every duty a corresponding right.”
Among the other speakers at the opening of the Belize Centre for Human Rights Studies were Chairman Evan X Hyde and President of the Human Rights Commission of Belize, Simeon Sampson. The centre will be located on U.B.’s main campus in Belmopan. Today the conference moved to Belize City with a number of presentations at the Princess Hotel.
