Belize's Bordering Concerns: Navigating Transnational Issues

Belize faces a number of transnational issues, including an ongoing border dispute with Guatemala, which has at times resulted in high tensions. The country also faces challenges posed by criminal organisations, insecurity, poverty, gang violence, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and the increased effects of climate change. Belize is a major transshipment point for cocaine and a small-scale illicit producer of cannabis, primarily for local consumption. The country also faces issues of money laundering in its offshore sector related to narcotics trafficking and other crimes. Belize is working with the United States to strengthen border security, address transnational crime, and manage the flow of irregular migrants.

Border disputes with Guatemala and Honduras

Belize has a long-running border dispute with Guatemala, which stems from the 17th century when Britain and Spain signed treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that what is now modern-day Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, although British settlers could use the land.

In the 1820s, the British settlers pushed the boundaries of their settlement far south of the limits agreed with Spain in 1786. In 1834, Belizean magistrates defined the boundaries of the settlement as the Hondo in the north, the Sarstoon in the south, and a line from Garbutt's Falls to the Hondo in the north and to the Sarstoon in the south. In 1859, the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty was negotiated between Guatemala and Britain, with the former recognising British sovereignty over the region and forming the modern-day boundary lines of Belize.

However, Guatemala has periodically renewed its claims on the area, arguing that the treaty is void because Britain failed to comply with economic assistance provisions. In 1939, Guatemala's Foreign Ministry published a supplementary section to 'The White Book', arguing that the 1859 treaty had lapsed. In 1948, Guatemala threatened to invade and annex the territory, prompting Britain to deploy troops to the region. In 1958, a force of pro-Guatemalan fighters crossed the border and raised the Guatemalan flag, leading to an exchange of fire with British troops. Negotiations between the UK and Guatemala began again in 1961, but were unsuccessful.

In 1975, tensions flared once again as Guatemala began massing troops on the border. The UK responded by deploying troops, along with a battery of 105mm field guns, surface-to-air missiles, six fighter jets, and a frigate. In 1981, Belize gained independence without reaching an agreement with Guatemala. In 1991, Guatemala officially recognised the independence of Belize and diplomatic relations were established. However, Guatemala continued to dispute the border, arguing that it inherited Spain's 18th-century claims on Belize and was owed more than half of Belize's land mass.

In 2008, Belize and Guatemala agreed to hold simultaneous referendums on sending the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The referendums passed in both countries, and as of 2019, both nations are working to resolve the dispute at the ICJ.

In addition to the dispute with Guatemala, Belize also has a minor border dispute with Honduras. Honduras claims the Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays off the coast of Belize in its constitution. However, in 2002, Honduras agreed to a joint ecological park around the cays, provided Guatemala consents to a maritime corridor in the Caribbean.

Narcotics trafficking and transshipment

Belize's location, open borders, free trade agreements, and large unpopulated areas have made it an ideal transshipment point for narcotics trafficking. The country's northern border with Mexico, western border with Guatemala, and access to the Gulf and several Caribbean countries make it a significant transit point for drugs travelling between South America and the United States. Belize's small population and limited law enforcement resources have also made it more vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers.

Belize has traditionally taken a hardline, militaristic approach to tackling the drug problem, with the support of allies such as the US, Canada, and the UK. However, this approach has been criticised for its ineffectiveness, with some arguing that alternative strategies such as marijuana legalisation and investment in social programs could be more successful.

The US State Department has identified Belize as a "major transit country for drugs coming from South America", and estimates suggest that approximately 10 tons of cocaine pass through the country each year. Belize's porous borders and lack of air defence systems make it difficult to monitor illicit air traffic and intercept drug planes.

Drug trafficking has had a significant impact on crime rates and corruption in Belize. The presence and influence of drug cartels have contributed to the country's high homicide rate, with gang warfare over control of smuggling routes and sales rights. In 2012, Belize's homicide rate was the second-highest in Central America, surpassed only by Honduras.

In recent years, there have been several reports of corrupt officials facilitating the arrival of drug planes and assisting traffickers. In one instance, the driver of the commander of Belize's defence force was arrested along with two police officers after attempting to flee a landing site where a plane carrying around one ton of cocaine had arrived.

Belize has relied on cooperation with security forces in neighbouring countries, particularly Mexico, to intercept drug flights and combat trafficking. However, the country continues to face challenges due to its limited resources and technological deficiencies.

Human trafficking and irregular migration

Belize is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking, and its government has been making significant efforts to combat this issue. However, it does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking and has faced challenges in addressing the problem effectively.

Human trafficking in Belize involves both domestic and foreign victims, with vulnerable groups including women, children, migrants, individuals facing economic difficulties, and LGBTQI+ persons. Sex trafficking is prevalent, with victims exploited in bars, nightclubs, hotels, and brothels. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift in the locations of sex trafficking from bars and clubs to more tightly controlled illegal brothels, often in private residences, making it harder to detect and report. Belize's tourism-reliant economy and proximity to the United States also contribute to the country's vulnerability to human trafficking.

Irregular migration is a related issue, with Belize serving as a transit point for migrants from Central America, Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, and Asia seeking to reach the United States. The lack of work permits for asylum seekers and refugees places them at risk of deportation and increases their vulnerability to human trafficking. Belize has implemented an amnesty program to regularize the status of undocumented migrants, which may help reduce their susceptibility to exploitation.

Belize has taken several measures to address human trafficking and irregular migration. The government has increased efforts to protect victims, improved screening and identification procedures, and conducted public awareness campaigns. The Police Anti-Trafficking Unit (A-TIP) leads investigations and operations, coordinating with various government departments and NGOs. However, limited resources, equipment, and personnel hinder their effectiveness in conducting large-scale investigations. Corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remain significant concerns, and the government has been recommended to implement anti-trafficking laws more vigorously.

Belize also collaborates with international organizations and neighboring countries to address these issues. The United States, in particular, provides assistance in combating human trafficking and strengthening border security. Additionally, Belize participates in regional initiatives, such as the Regional Conference on Migration, to address migration-related challenges.

Transnational organised crime

Belize faces a range of transnational organised crime issues, which the United States government is assisting with. The country is a significant transit point for drug trafficking between South America and the United States, with cocaine and marijuana being the primary narcotics. Belize is also a small-scale producer of cannabis, primarily for local consumption.

The country's offshore sector has been implicated in money-laundering activity, which is often linked to narcotics trafficking and other crimes. Belize's border with Guatemala is a particular problem area, with smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation and debt bondage occurring. Belize's government lacks the resources to effectively police this border region, and the boundary itself is insecure due to ongoing Guatemalan claims to Belizean territory.

Belize also faces issues with the growing of marijuana in very low-population areas, as well as transshipment of illegal narcotics, smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration across its border with Mexico. This border also has minor demarcation discrepancies arising from inaccuracies in the 1898 border treaty.

To combat these issues, the United States is assisting Belize in strengthening its police force and justice sector, as well as improving border security capacity. The U.S. also provides military assistance, including training, humanitarian aid, and assistance in establishing and building the capacity of Belize's Coast Guard.

Conservation and climate adaptation

Belize is a small state situated on the Caribbean Sea with a remarkably diverse ecology. The country is committed to conservation and climate adaptation efforts, recognising the importance of its natural assets to its economy and the well-being of its citizens. Here is an overview of Belize's conservation and climate adaptation initiatives:

Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project (MCCAP)

Belize, with support from the World Bank and the Adaptation Fund, implemented the five-year Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project (MCCAP). This project aimed to strengthen the climate resilience of the Belize Barrier Reef, a critical ecosystem for the country. MCCAP took a multifaceted approach, including promoting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, increasing protection and restoration efforts, and raising public awareness about climate change. As a result, Belize expanded its marine protected area coverage and implemented updated regulations to protect mangrove ecosystems.

Debt Conversion for Ocean Conservation

Belize has also committed to protecting 30% of its ocean territory by restructuring its external commercial debt. This initiative, supported by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will enable the country to reduce its national debt while investing in a national conservation fund. Over the next two decades, this fund will drive approximately US$180 million into the conservation of Belize's marine ecosystems.

Education and Vocational Training

Belize has integrated climate change into its education curriculum to raise awareness among the younger generation. Additionally, vocational training programmes have been introduced in secondary schools to help coastal communities diversify their livelihoods beyond fishing. These programmes offer skills in organic farming, seaweed cultivation, cooking, hospitality, and tourism, empowering locals to adapt to a changing climate while adhering to new fishing and marine regulations.

US Assistance and Collaboration

The United States, through various programmes and organisations, works closely with Belize to address climate change and conservation. The US Embassy's Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) supports innovative projects to enhance Belize's civil society and governance. Additionally, the Peace Corps operates public health and education programmes in the country, promoting climate change awareness among youth. Through the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, the US and Belize are working together to pursue entrepreneurial paths to climate change resilience.

Challenges and Ongoing Efforts

Belize continues to face challenges in conservation and climate adaptation. The country's forests and marine resources are under significant threat from deforestation, improper waste management, rapid coastal development, and weak institutional frameworks. However, Belize remains committed to addressing these issues and is taking proactive measures to protect its natural resources. The country's efforts have been recognised, and it is considered a conservation success story and a role model for climate and biodiversity action.

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