And even before the ComPol's statements, the Minister of Education had commented that he believed the child should not be at the Wagner's Facility. And today he reiterated that, and added that he's glad the child was moved to New Beginnings. However, were his rights violated by the police when he was picked up and thrown in prison with convicted criminals under the SOE? The Minister doesn't think so.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"I've been on record even before the Commissioner spoke on this matter to say that I did not that think that that was appropriate, that the 13 year old should not have been in the Wagner's facility, he should not have been in prison so I'm glad that they have moved him to I think the New Beginnings Center is where he is now. I think that was what should have been done in the first place, that is where he should have been sent in the first place. The commissioner is right that there are serious challenges. We see a phenomenon growing where gangs are targeting these very young people, it's not only in Belize, it's happening all over. They're targeting young people to commit very serious crimes so we have to take it seriously. But I think Belize understands, we in Belize understand that we have international obligations, we have to make sure that we're respecting the rights of children in particular. So that's critically important that despite our understanding and appreciation that these are serious crimes being committed by some very young people that we should do everything we can to make sure that we put them in the proper facilities where they can get the support and guidance and assistance that they need."
Courtney Menzies:
"Do you believe that the convention of the rights of a children was breached in this particular case?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"I think, I don't think so, I think they felt the had him in a separate space, he wasn't among the general population of prisoners so he was in a separate space but even so, I'm not comfortable with that. As I said, I'm happy - it took some time - but I'm happy that it's now resolved and that he is where he should have been in the first place."
We note that the convention on the rights of the child says, quote, "No child shall be deprived of his or her liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily. The arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child shall be in conformity with the law and shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time."
