Who we are

In the three decades since its inception, HRCB has had a significant impact on the Belizean society. Starting from an almost ground-zero level, the organization has spearheaded the national campaigns efforts to educate the populace on “What are Human Rights” and “Why the respect and protection of human rights is an integral part of the democracy of our developing country.  HRCB helps in the form of technical expertise and capacity-development in order to support the implementation of international human rights standards on the ground and have consistently worked with national, regional and international counterparts in promoting human rights in Belize.

The Commission of Human Rights will investigate any complaints on violations to human rights and where previously notified, will make a denunciation publicly, nationally, and internationally.

It seeks the support of all individuals and local authorities in Belize, private and public, which bear the primary responsibility for the protection of human rights, to fulfill their obligations and supports individuals in the promotion and defence of human rights.

The Commission or Human Rights in Belize cannot offer economical or financial benefits to its members or to the public at large, as the Commission depends on voluntary work and financial contributions of its members and others. It contributes by speaking our objectively and assuring that human rights, peace, democracy and the right to life and its fundamental liberty is respected.

Structure

HRCB’s Board of Directors is the highest decision-making authority of the organization and are voted into office, by a General Assembly, a Board of Directors and a permanent Secretariat. The General Assembly is the maximum authority of the Commission and consists of all its members. The General Assembly meets annually to revise the work of the previous year and to establish new policies, when necessary.

The Board of Directors is elected by the general assembly every two years and is responsible for the administration of the Commission, in accordance to the policies and direction of the General Assembly. The Board of Directors is the maximum authority of the Commission when the General Assembly is not in session.

The Board of Directors elects all the personnel of the permanent Secretariat. The Permanent Secretariat is under the direction of the Coordinator, who is responsible to the day-to-day operation of the Commission in conformity with the directives of the Board of Directors.

1. 1. The Commission is formed for the expressed purpose of its Memorandum of Association and these are:
   2. Promote and defend human rights in Belize.
   3. Establish and maintain the Institution and the mechanisms necessary for its promotion and defence.
   4. Assure the ratification and adherence of the Government of Belize to the International Convention in Human Rights.
   5. Promote the awareness of Human Rights through the incorporation of human rights in the Education system of Belize.
   6. Establish affiliation with National and International Organizations related to the promotion and defence of human rights in the world in general and in our region in particular.

The Commission of Human Rights is annexed to educational activities and to programs in human rights as a positive measure to assure the knowledge and respect for Human Rights and as a preventive measure to minimize violations to these rights.
The Commission of Human Rights will investigate any complaints on violations to human rights and where previously notified, will make a denunciation publicly, nationally and internationally.