Government's Proposed Constitution Amendment Risks Infringing on Civil Rights

The Belizean government has introduced the Thirteenth Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025, aiming to expand state authority in designated 'special areas' and retroactively validate previous states of emergency. Critics argue that the amendment could infringe on civil liberties and lacks sufficient safeguards. The government contends that the amendment is necessary to address legal uncertainties stemming from conflicting High Court rulings on emergency powers. The case is scheduled for hearing in March 2026 during the next session of the Court of Appeal.