COVID-19 Civic Freedom Tracker
Keep Civic Space Healthy
This tracker monitors government responses to the pandemic that affect civic freedoms and human rights, focusing on emergency laws. For information about our methodology, click here.
For more information and analysis by region, click here.
The COVID-19 Civic Freedom Tracker is a collaborative effort by the ICNL, ECNL, and our global network of partners, with generous research support from the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin. This is an ongoing effort, and we welcome you to email us at adeblock@icnl.org and simona@ecnl.org to share additional resources.
Public Health (Prevention of the Spread of Infectious Disease)(COVID-19) Regulations 2021
The COVID-19 public health order includes a provision which makes it illegal to host or attend a meeting of an association or organization. This appears to be a total ban with no apparent exceptions and a fine of $1,000 following summary conviction. The provision is broadly written and seems to preclude any gathering at all, even if masked, socially distanced, and outdoors.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 2 Jul 2021
Issue(s): Association, Assembly
Type: order
State of Emergency
The prime minister declares a national "state of emergency" on account of the coronavirus pandemic. The state of emergency will be in place from April 1 through April 30.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 30 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Emergency
Type: order
Belize Constitution (Emergency Powers) Regulation 2020
The regulation imposes a curfew from 8pm to 5am. Only essential travel is permitted outside of curfew hours, and persons may not loiter, wander, assemble, or otherwise move in any public place and on any public road. Violations are punishable by a fine of $5,000.00 or imprisonment for 2 years.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 1 Apr 2020
Issue(s): Assembly, Movement
Type: regulation
Belize Travel Health App
All persons arriving in Belize, regardless of nationality, must download and register with the Belize Travel Health App upon arrival. The app requires personal identifying information, travel plans including place of residence in Belize, as well as exposure to or prior diagnoses of COVID-19. The app shares real-time geolocation data and personal information with a third party, which may in turn share the information with government entities in Belize including the Ministry of Health, Statistical Institute of Belize, and Belize Department of Immigration and Nationality.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 2 Oct 2020
Issue(s): Surveillance, Privacy
Type: practice