Where Does Belize Rank on Trafficking in Persons Report?

Belize has maintained its Tier 2 status on the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report for 2024. According to the report, the Government of Belize does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. The release notes that the government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period. As a result, Belize remained on Tier 2. Among the achievements listed in the report is the conviction of two traffickers, as well as the continued prosecution of five alleged traffickers. The U.S. Department of State also commended the Government of Belize for identifying more victims and increasing investigations. The report, however, notes that the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas. It says quote, “Belize did not adequately address official complicity in trafficking crimes nor initiate any new prosecutions. The government did not take adequate measures to screen Cuban medical workers, People’s Republic of China nationals, or Indian workers for indicators of trafficking. It also did not adequately oversee labor recruitment or train its diplomats”, unquote. A release from the Government of Belize says that the Tier 2 ranking acknowledges Belize’s substantial efforts to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.