BNN holds consultations for new NPO/NGO Bill

Between July and September, the Belize Network of NGOs held a series of consultations on the proposed NPO/NGO Bill - a harmonized version of Belize's existing NPO and NGO Acts.

The consultations were designed to bring civil society to the table before the Bill advances, giving organizations the chance to review the proposed law section by section, raise their questions, and shape a collective response. BNN hosted targeted sessions for its members, for faith-based organizations, and NPOs and/or NGOs, along with a public session open to all interested parties.

The network also took the consultation on the road, holding in-person sessions in Belize City at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM), in Dangriga at the POWA Centre, and in Punta Gorda at BTIA - ensuring that organizations across the country, including those outside the central corridor, had a voice in the process.

By harmonizing two separate pieces of legislation into a single law, the Bill aims to streamline how NPOs and NGOs are registered and regulated in Belize, ultimately creating a more enabling environment for civil society. BNN's role throughout has been to ensure that the voices of the sector it represents are reflected in the final legislation.

The consultations were held in partnership with the Belize Audubon Society as co-implementing partner and with the financial support of the European Union.