Belize City, Belize, December 13, 2024 – As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance case management and address the backlog of cases, Belize’s magistrate court received vital Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment. This initiative is part of the PACE Justice Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project aims to improve the efficiency of criminal justice administration and strengthen the institutional capacities of police forces, prosecutors, lawyers, courts, and prisons in the Caribbean, including Belize to effectively and efficiently manage criminal cases.

Mr. Michael Lund, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, and Ms. Amilin Mendez, Team Lead, Inclusive Growth, Digitization and Governance at UNDP, officially handed over the ICT equipment, which includes televisions, computers, keyboards, headsets, printers, scanners, among other items, to Hon. Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegadapola on behalf of the Magistrate Court. This donation will support 16 magistrates in managing case files and documentation with greater ease and accuracy. By facilitating more efficient administrative and judicial workflows, this equipment is expected to reduce the delays caused by manual processes, ultimately addressing the longstanding case backlog. 

Reducing the case backlogs will significantly expedite access to justice for Belizeans, thereby boosting public confidence in the judicial system. The provision of ICT equipment served as a clear example of how targeted interventions can improve the functioning of public institutions, contribute to good governance, and support the modernization and digitization of magistrate courts across the country. 

The PACE Justice Project continues to play a key role in Belize’s efforts to modernize its justice system, promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Through continued partnerships, Belize is making significant strides toward building a more effective and equitable justice system.

The total investment in the ICT equipment is valued at USD35,000/BZD70,000.

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Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBUUDF

For more information, please contact:

United Nations Development Programme: Zenena Moguel, zenena.moguel@undp.org | Communication Analyst

Judiciary of Belize: Deborah Patterson, dpatterson@belizejudiciary.org | Office of the Chief Justice

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The Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) Regional Programme is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Delegation of the European Union. The goal of the PACE Justice Programme is to improve the efficiency of criminal justice administration in the Caribbean by enhancing the institutional capacities of police forces, prosecutors, lawyers, courts and prisons.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDPBelize.