The Minister of Home Affairs also rose to introduce the DNA Bill. This bill seeks to establish a national DNA database and to provide a framework for its operation. This will allow for the collection and use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. Minister Musa spoke more about it.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"The laws of Belize do not currently include any specific legislation to govern the collection and use of DNA samples in criminal investigation and in the identification of human remains nor to govern the establishment and use of a national DNA database which can be an extremely powerful crime fighting tool. The introduction of a DNA bill is therefore very timely in order to establish a national DNA database and to facilitate the collection and use of DNA samples in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses and the investigation of missing person cases and unidentified human remains. This DNA bill aims to achieve the following improvements to our criminal justice system as part of the wider reform efforts envisaged in the Needham's Point Declaration. One, to establish and operate a national DNA database in a manner that respects a person's bodily integrity, privacy and dignity and that is consistent with human rights under the constitution. Two, to establish indices for the categorization and storage for DNA profiles in the national DNA database. Three, to ensure that the personal data of a person whose DNA profile is entered in the national DNA database is protected and not accessed or shared without the requisite permission. Four, to assist the authorities in carrying out an investigation with respect to an offense. Five, to provide reliable evidence for the purpose of prosecution of criminal offenses. And six, to establish the administrative and procedural framework concerning the collection of DNA samples, the issuance of a court order if consent is refused by a suspect, the removal or destruction of DNA samples and DNA profiles held by the national forensic science service or in the national DNA database, the identification of missing persons and human remains and an establishment of a DNA oversight committee."
That bill was also for first reading.
