The constitution and laws of Belize
BELIZE CONSTITUTION
THE CONSTITUTION OF BELIZE
WHEREAS THE PEOPLE OF BELIZE
a. affirm that the Nation of Belize shall be founded upon principles which
acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in human rights and fundamental
freedoms, the position of the family in a society of free men and free
institutions, the dignity of the human person and the equal and inalienable
rights with which all members of the human family are endowed by their
Creator;
b. respect the principles of social justice and therefore believe that the
operation of the economic system must result in the material resources of the
community being so distributed as to subserve the common good, that there
should be adequate means of livelihood for all, that labour should not be
exploited or forced by economic necessity to operate in inhuman conditions but
that there should be opportunity for advancement on the basis of recognition of
merit, ability and integrity, that social status, and that a just system should
be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality;
c. believe that the will of the people shall form the basis of government in a
democratic society in which the government is freely elected by universal adult
suffrage and in which all persons may, to the extent of their capacity, play
some part in the institutions of national life and this develop and maintain
due respect for lawfully constituted authority;
d. recognize that men and institutions remain free only when freedom is founded
upon respect for moral and spiritual values and upon the rule of law;
e. require policies of state which protect and safeguard the unity, freedom,
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize; which eliminate economic and
social privilege and disparity among the citizens of Belize whether by race,
color, creed or sex; which protect the rights of the individual to life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness; which preserve the right of the
individual to the ownership of private property and the right to operate
private businesses; which prohibit the explotation of man by man or by the
state; which ensure a just system of social security and welfare; which protect
the environment; which promote international peace, security and co-operation
among nations, the establishment of a just and equitable international economic
and social order in the world with respect for international law and treaty
obligations in the dealings among nations;
f. desire that their society shall reflect and enjoy the above mentioned
principles, belief and needs and that their Constitution should therefore
enshrine and make provisions for ensuring the achievement of the same in
Belize;
NOW, THEREFORE. the following provisions shall have effect as the Constitution
of Belize:
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