IACHR wants Belize to guarantee rights of indigenous people

WASHINGTON, CMC – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) Monday expressed concerns regarding the human rights situation of the Maya indigenous communities in the District of Toledo, in Belize. The IACHR said that it has received information that private companies have been carrying out oil exploration and exploitation and logging activities in the traditional lands of Maya communities under permits issued by State authorities without prior consultation. “Specifically, the information indicates that illegal extraction and destruction of natural resources from traditional Maya lands in the Toledo District has taken place recently with the alleged collaboration and/or acquiescence of State agents.