SATIIM Urges Government to Consult Maya Communities on Land Rights Law

The Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management is calling on the Government of Belize to urgently engage Maya communities in the development of legislation governing Maya customary land tenure.  In a press release issued yesterday, the organization stressed that under the Caribbean Court of Justice Consent Order of 2015, the Government committed to protecting Maya land rights through proper legal and administrative measures. SATIIM argues that this process must include direct consultation with Maya communities, in keeping with their traditional governance systems.  However, SATIIM says a draft policy on Maya land tenure has already been developed without the input of those communities, despite repeated requests for engagement. The group further claims that third-party stakeholders have had access to the draft, while Maya villages remain largely in the dark.  SATIIM is now urging the Government to immediately share the full draft legislation and begin meaningful consultations guided by the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent.

The organization warns that the lack of transparency is fueling misinformation and growing tensions in southern Belize. SATIIM adds that while broader national consultation is important, the Government’s primary responsibility remains with the Maya communities directly affected by the legislation./