Forum to Discuss Response to Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking in Persons

Malenie Barnes

Last November a project tackling official responses to gender based violence and trafficking in persons was launched. Supported by the U.S. Embassy through the Central American Regional Security Initiative, it will focus on six communities, Hattieville, Seine Bight, Hopkins, Independence, Roaring Creek and Teakettle, which were selected based on their vulnerability level and the incidences of gender-based violence prevalent in the communities. But RET International which manages the project is hosting a forum in Belize City to allow for wider participation from both civil society and affected communities.

Malenie Barnes, National Program Coordinator, RET International (Belize)

“This is a call to action for everyone: for government, for civil society, and for community to come out and participate. If we want to see improved mechanisms and improved response, then we have to participate in the process. So this is what we are hoping, that everyone will come out and we will participate in the process, so that in the end we are left with strong recommendations to improve how service is delivered.  The results of the forum will be added to ongoing consultations that will look at a more in-depth review of the processes and the mechanisms as well as some of the recommendations that come out of this forum. And at the end of this process, when we present the report, we are looking to strengthen mechanisms in place; strengthen government’s ability to deliver the services that meets the needs of the community as well as the civil society organizations.”

The forum takes place at the U.W.I. Open Campus starting Monday morning at 9 a.m.