ORT Global Justice Watch Called for Belize Human Trafficking Trial

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oshkosh, Nebraska, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) August 27, 2010 -- On Tuesday, August 31, as per Belize justice practice, though not in keeping with their laws, human trafficking victims and their accused exploiters will stand trial together.

“We are asking for worldwide witness to this court trial,” said Trill. “We are appealing to our global campaign supporters to bear witness by sending questions to the Belize government asking how they will ensure human trafficking criminals are punished through due process while victims are identified and protected.”

ORT is asking for concerted international vigilance on the court trial of those swept up in a Belize national police raid on human trafficking bars in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

While the recent ficha bar sting operation conducted by Belize's National Criminal Investigation Branch confirms San Pedro, Ambergris Caye as a Central American human trafficking hub, the ensuing justice and social services processes raise many questions.

Send these questions to the Belize Government

The following is a list of questions ORT asks people to send to Bernard Q. Pitts, Attorney General and Peter Eden Martinez, Minister of Human Development and Social Transformation.

According to Belize law, the bar owner is responsible and liable if human trafficking and prostitution occur on-premises. Next Tuesday, among those going to trial, is Ms. Martha Julia Jimenez Estrada, who faces human trafficking charges.

· Is she the bar owner?
· If not, why has she been charged and not the owner?

According to commitment with the US government, under anti-trafficking in persons agreements, Belize is to make strong efforts to identify and safeguard human trafficking victims.

· Has this been done or were victims caught up in the raid sent to Hattieville Prison?
· How many victims went to Hattieville Prison on remand?
· How many victims have been identified and are in a safe haven supplied with the necessities of life?

Four minors were picked up in the bar raid. According to Belize law, they are effectively trafficking victims.

· Have these children been sent to Hattieville or has the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation interceded on their behalf?

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Belize human trafficking     Betty Philips     human trafficking trial     Ort     Sting Sweeps San Pedro     Vivian Trill