Belize's Complex Relationship With Racism: Uncovering The Truth

Racism in Belize is a complex issue. While the country has made efforts to combat racial discrimination, signing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in 2001, and proclaiming a state policy of inclusion and multiculturalism, reports suggest that racial factors still affect areas such as economic prospects, land possession, and equal treatment before the law. Belize's society is made up of various ethnic groups, including the Maya, the Creoles, the English, the Chinese, and the East Indians, and racial tensions exist between these groups. In particular, the ancient Maya people, who have lived on the land for over 10,000 years, face racism and are often treated as second-class citizens, with limited access to basic social amenities and services. Additionally, mestizos, who now form the majority in Belize, face stigmatisation and rejection due to their Spanish language, and Mayas are sometimes viewed as foreigners or considered backward for adhering to their traditional culture.

Racism against the Maya in Belize

One of the main issues facing the Maya in Belize is the encroachment on their traditional lands. Since colonial times, the Maya have been dispossessed of their land, with non-indigenous settlers, logging enterprises, and petroleum companies threatening their territories and way of life. The Maya have been engaged in a prolonged struggle to defend their lands, often facing state-sanctioned land grabs and attacks on their customary governance systems. Despite some legal victories, such as the 2015 ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice affirming their land rights, the Maya continue to face violations of these rights by the Belizean government.

Historically, the Maya were targeted by British and Spanish imperial forces for expropriation and erasure. During the colonial era, the British categorized the Maya as "aliens", denying their existence and treating them as outsiders in their own land. This led to the propagation of the "empty land" myth, which justified the dispossession of the Maya from their territories. The Maya resisted British colonization, nearly expelling them from Belize in the Battle of San Pedro Yalbac in 1866. Despite this, the British succeeded in fracturing indigenous communities and erasing the history and presence of the Maya in Belize.

Today, the Maya continue to face racism and discrimination in Belize. They have the least access to social amenities, including education, healthcare, and housing, and often face derogatory charges of being "irrational", "antidevelopment", and "greedy" by authoritarian figures. The Maya are also characterized as non-Belizeans or foreigners, pitting them against other oppressed minorities in the country. Additionally, the Maya face gender inequalities, with Maya women experiencing high rates of poverty and violations of their rights, particularly when they are single heads of households.

The struggle of the Maya in Belize is not just about land rights, but also about transforming the country into one that is more accepting and respectful of indigenous modes of organizing and relationships with the territory. The Maya seek to have their ways of being recognized so that they can live peacefully and practice their customary governance systems and self-determination without fear of repression or retaliation from the state. While there have been some positive developments, such as the formation of the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission, the future of indigenous land rights in Belize remains uncertain, with the government continuing to violate the rights and humanity of Maya communities and land defenders.

Belize's recognition of the slave trade as a crime against humanity

Belize, a country on the east coast of Central America, has a history of racial discrimination and the legacy of the slave trade. The country gained independence in 1981, and while it has made strides towards recognising the impact of the slave trade on its people, it still exhibits unacceptable racist manifestations.

Belize's history includes the conquest and decimation of indigenous groups, such as the Maya, and the forced transportation of the Garifuna people from their island homes. The country also has a history of slavery, with slaves brought from Africa to work in the timber industry. This history has had a profound impact on the country's demographics and social structure, with Belize recognising that it must confront its past to create a better future.

At the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance in 2001, the Belize delegation addressed the recognition of the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity. The representative, HE MR Assad Shoman, High Commissioner of Belize to the United Kingdom, expressed outrage at the argument that slavery and the slave trade should not be condemned as they were legal at the time. He emphasised that such justification legitimises racism and that the consequences of these crimes are still felt by the descendants of those who suffered. Shoman also acknowledged that while reparations may not be feasible, recognition, apology, and specific actions to address ongoing misery and oppression are necessary.

Belize has taken steps towards acknowledging and addressing the impact of the slave trade and slavery. The government has signed agreements with the Garifuna and the indigenous Maya, recognising their rights as distinct peoples. Additionally, Belize has ratified international conventions against racial discrimination and committed to enacting and enforcing relevant legislation. However, the country continues to grapple with racism, particularly towards the Maya, who face discrimination, marginalisation, and a lack of access to basic social amenities.

Belize's participation in the World Conference against Racism

Belize's participation in the 2001 World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) in Durban, South Africa, was marked by a strong stance against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. In his address, Assad Shoman, Belize's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, acknowledged the country's diverse history and the presence of unacceptable racist manifestations in Belizean society. He also emphasized the need to confront and eliminate all vestiges of racism and discrimination, including gender discrimination.

Belize's delegation to the WCAR extended condolences to President Mbeki and the people of Africa on the passing of freedom fighter Govan Mbeki. Shoman addressed two controversial themes of the conference: the recognition of the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity, and the question of reparations. He vehemently rejected the argument that slavery and the slave trade should not be condemned as crimes against humanity because they were once legal. He asserted that such an argument legitimizes spurious claims and undermines the fight against racism.

Shoman highlighted the ongoing consequences of colonialism, the slave trade, and slavery, emphasizing that the descendants of those affected continue to suffer. He advocated for recognizing these injustices as crimes against humanity and seeking apologies rather than monetary reparations. He also stressed the importance of taking specific actions to address the causes of misery and oppression.

Belize's participation in the WCAR reflected its commitment to addressing racism and discrimination. The country had previously signed the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Additionally, Belize proclaimed a state policy of inclusion, multiculturalism, and embracing diversity.

Belize's history and population demographics provided a unique perspective at the WCAR. The country has experienced various forms of racial and ethnic dynamics, including the conquest and decimation of indigenous Maya, the forced enslavement of Africans, and the displacement of the Garifuna people. Belize's population comprises multiple racial and ethnic groups, including Creoles, Mestizos, Maya, Chinese, East Indians, and others.

In conclusion, Belize's participation in the WCAR demonstrated its dedication to combating racism and discrimination within its borders and globally. By sharing its historical context and ongoing challenges, Belize contributed to the conference's goal of unifying the international community against racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

Racial discrimination in economic prospects, land possession and justice

Racism in Belize is largely directed towards new Chinese immigrants and the ancient Maya, who have lived on the land for over 10,000 years. Creoles, people of African and British descent, are the perpetrators of this racism. They have held political and economic power since self-governance and have dominated the nation's politics, treasury, police, and defence force. This has allowed them to control and spend 80% of the nation's revenue.

Creoles have cheated and lied to the Mayan population, treating them as second-class citizens and stealing their land. The Maya have been denied access to basic social amenities, including elementary education, healthcare, and housing. They have also been denied access to land, credit, and other public services. The British categorised the Maya as "aliens", rendering them invisible and justifying their treatment as outsiders. This categorisation has continued to be used to dismiss Mayan claims for fair treatment.

The Maya have faced a 12-year battle for their right to land, with recognition of their rights appearing to be dependent on the whims of the government. When the Maya have turned to the courts, there have been significant delays, during which the government has continued to grant concessions. However, there is hope that a turning point has been reached, with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Belizean government working together to address land and indigenous peoples' rights.

In addition to land discrimination, the Maya have faced stigmatisation and rejection due to their Spanish language and culture. They have been considered backward and treated as foreigners. This has impacted their economic prospects, with young people from specific neighbourhoods unable to move out due to a lack of opportunities. Furthermore, poverty has played a major role in the Maya's access to justice, with most charged persons being of African descent.

Belize's commitment to eliminating racial discrimination

In addition to legislative measures, Belize has taken steps to address racial discrimination in practice. For example, the government has signed agreements with indigenous groups such as the Garifuna and the Maya, recognising their rights as distinct peoples. Belize has also acknowledged the historical injustices suffered by these indigenous communities and is working towards reconciliation.

Furthermore, Belize has expressed its commitment to eliminating racial discrimination by participating in international conferences and dialogues. For instance, a representative from Belize attended the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance in 2001, where they emphasised the country's dedication to standing against racism and addressing its historical legacy.

Despite these efforts, there are still reports of racial discrimination in Belize, particularly against indigenous groups such as the Maya. Maya people in Belize have faced violence, institutionalised power imbalances, and deep-rooted racism, resulting in limited access to basic social amenities, land, credit, and other public services. Additionally, there have been reports of racial discrimination against new Chinese immigrants.

To address these issues, Belize has taken steps to increase education and training on human rights and non-discrimination for law enforcement and government officials. The country has also established bodies featuring local judges to address issues in communities, particularly in rural areas. While challenges remain, Belize's commitment to eliminating racial discrimination is evident through its participation in international conventions and its efforts to address historical injustices and promote inclusion.

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