Government units in charge of collecting and analyzing data on violence against women and human trafficking in Belize are now better equipped to do so and to provide reliable data for the population through a donation of data-gathering equipment from UNFPA. This was made possible through the Violence Prevention (BA1) component of the Central American Security Strategy (ESCA,) which, seeks to strengthen institutional capacities to address and subsequently reduce risk factors contributing to violence against women, trafficking in women and femicide.

On February 19 the donation of computers valued at approximately US$ 92,000 was handed over to the Government of Belize to be shared among relevant government departments including the Ministries of Health; National Security; Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation.

Hon. Anthony Martinez, Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation accepted the gift on behalf of the government.

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, Sheila Roseau Director, UNFPA Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean said UNFPA was pleased to be partnering with the various ministries and the International Organisation for Migration to implement the project. She added that: “Given the commitment of the Government of Belize to end violence against women and the active engagement of a wide range of stakeholders on this project, I am confident that this donation will go a far way in ensuring improved access to reliable data and support in tangible ways, the realization of the goal to end violence against women in all its forms.”

The ESCA BA1 project in Belize was implemented in 2014 and will end in March 2016.