Ombudsman invited to regional human rights conference

A major component of his job is listening to people who feel their rights have been violated, or claim to be victims of police brutality. To help him become an advocate for the rights of all Belizeans, Ombudsman, Paul Rodriguez has been invited to a meeting of Central American ombudsmen in Managua, Nicaragua in November. Charles Quesada, responsible for Advocacy of the Human Rights Commission of Central America says the commission is happy that Belize has joined the rest of the region in appointing an Ombudsman.

Charles Quesada, Advocacy, Human Rights

“The Central American Human Rights Commission is following the ombudsman offices since 1991. This is one of the most relevant offices or institutions created by the peace process in Central America especially Guatemala and El Salvador after the Civil War, and other countries like Costa Rica and Panama. Even though we didn’t have a civil war or that kind of internal conflict, it was very important to protect socio-economical human rights.

The main purpose of the meeting is to bring all the Central American Ombudsman officers together with the civil society in order to build a common goal. If we can say this, in order to improve the situation, the human rights situation in the region.”

Paul Rodriguez, Ombudsman

“I will meet with some men and women who actually when through the fire of a trial, who had to put their life on the line to uphold the principles of the dignity of man and his rights. So I am looking forward to meeting these people.”

During his visit to Belize Charles Quesada is also meeting with the president of the Human Rights Commission of Belize, Simeon Sampson. While the Ombudsman is in Nicaragua investigator Lionel Castillo will be managing the office on Regent Street.