National Evangelical Association of Belize briefed on Equal Opportunities Bill
January 2020, Belmopan, Belize: The Anti-Discrimination Steering Committee met with Pastor Scott Stirm, Pastor Lance Lewis, and Pastor Louis Wade of the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB).
During the meeting, the NEAB Representatives were provided with an overview of the Equal Opportunities Bill, including on how the legislation operates in relation to people of faith. The Pastors expressed specific concerns about the Bill and engaged in constructive dialogue, which will continue. Clarifications were provided around how the legislation accommodates exceptions for religious organisations so as to ensure that freedom of expression and freedom of religion are respected.
The organizations championing the Equal Opportunities Bill, namely the National AIDS Commission (NAC), the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, Poverty Alleviation and the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children, would like to thank the NEAB representatives for accepting their request to meet and for engaging with the panel, composed of Mr Enrique Romero (Executive Director of the NAC), Mr Dwight Arnold (Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the NAC), and Attorney Rashad Brathwaite (independent consultant and legal drafter).
The goal of this legislation is to improve the life of all Belizeans. The Bill will create a fairer society with improved public services, where businesses and everyday citizens can thrive. Our Constitution establishes the general principles for us to aspire to such a society, the Equal Opportunities Act will give us the practical tools and mechanisms to make this into a reality for all.
We encourage all Belizeans to make their voices heard. You too can take part in the consultation process around this Bill. Please send your submissions and requests for information or for a meeting with the technical team to the National AIDS Commission at the contact details below. We look forward to hearing from you.
National AIDS Commission
3803 Durgeon Drive, Coral Grove, Belize City
Email: info@nacbelize.org
Website: www.nacbelize.org
Facebook: National AIDS Commission
Office number & WhatsApp: 610-5051
WHAT IS PANCAP?
PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners established on 14 February 2001. PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, and coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilise resources and build the capacity of partners.
What are the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026 targets and commitments?
If targets and commitments in the strategy are achieved:
- The number of people who newly acquire HIV will decrease from 1.7 million in 2019 to less than 370 000 by 2025
- The number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses will decrease from 690 000 in 2019 to less than 250 000 in 2025.
- The goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children will see the number of new HIV infections drop from 150,000 in 2019 to less than 22,000 in 2025.
What are the 95-95-95 Targets for ending AIDS?
- 95% of People Living with HIV know their HIV status;
- 95% of people who know their status on treatment; and
- 95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026, End Inequalities, End AIDS
https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/global-aids-strategy-2021-2026-end-inequalities-end-aids/
Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS (CRSF) 2019-2025
https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/caribbean-regional-strategic-framework-2019-2025/