International Court of Justice

As the territorial, maritime, and insular dispute between Belize and Guatemala approaches a final judgment, both governments have sought continued support from the Organization of American States (OAS). During the OAS General Assembly, held in Panama from June 22nd to 24th, Belize presented updates on the long-running dispute. It highlighted the OAS's role in guiding both countries toward a peaceful resolution through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Both countries also requested that the OAS continue to provide an institutional platform through which permanent observers can support the operation of the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.

On Thursday, March 19th, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) permitted Guatemala to intervene in the case concerning the dispute over the southern Sapodilla Cayes between Belize and Honduras.

As Belize and Guatemala continue to strengthen their bilateral relations, a special meeting was held on January 22 at the Organization of American States (OAS) between the foreign ministers of both countries. The discussions touched on ongoing opportunities and challenges and focused on charting a positive course toward a peaceful resolution of Guatemala’s claim at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On Wednesday, November 26th, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) finished public hearings on Guatemala’s request to intervene in the sovereignty dispute over the southern Sapodilla Cayes, a case currently before the Court between Belize and Honduras. The oral arguments started on Monday, November 24th, at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, with legal teams from Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras presenting their arguments. The ICJ will now consider Guatemala’s request and announce a decision at a later public hearing.

As the territorial, insular, and maritime dispute between Belize and Guatemala moves closer to oral hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Guatemalan government has intensified an educational campaign urging its institutions to use maps that depict Belize as part of Guatemala. The latest instance occurred on November 14th, when Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted an image on its official Facebook page showing a map with Belize annexed, accompanied by instructions explaining why it must be portrayed that way.

Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño addressed the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), raising issues from climate change to Guatemala’s aggression at the Sarstoon River. His remarks were widely praised in Belize but drew a response from Guatemalan authorities, who said his comments on the Sarstoon were unnecessary since the incident had been quickly addressed and the territorial, insular, and maritime claim had already been submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Throughout September, Belizeans witnessed another flare-up in tensions surrounding the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute. Guatemala continues to assert a claim over half of Belize’s landmass, all of its islands (Cayes), and the maritime territory extending from the coast. The latest incidents with the Guatemalan Armed Forces at the Sarstoon River in southern Belize prompted strong protests from the Government of Belize. In response, Guatemala reaffirmed its sovereignty claim over the entire river. Experts further explained that Guatemala’s position extends to all of Belize’s Cayes. Guatemalan officials also discussed possible scenarios in the event that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules in their favor.

Cabinet, at its meeting on August 26th, supported a proposal for the Social Security Board to gain direct access to the Central Bank’s payment system to reduce high bank charges. It also noted the U.S. decision to suspend duty-free exemptions for low-value shipments, leading the Belize Postal Service to suspend certain packages to the U.S. effective August 27th. Updates were provided on Belize’s role in the ICJ climate change opinion, progress on the Green Belize reforestation project, rural electrification plans, and the launch of September Celebrations under the theme “Belize @44: Stronger Together, Rising Forever.