Belize — Gun Facts, Figures and the LawStockpilesGun NumbersCivilian GunsNumber of Privately Owned FirearmsThe estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Belize is 29,0001 Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 PopulationThe rate of private gun ownership in Belize is 10.01 firearms per 100 people Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World RankingIn a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Belize ranked at No. 1612 Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World RankingIn a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Belize ranked at No. 621 Number of Registered FirearmsThe number of registered guns in Belize is reported to be 10,7553 ImpactsDeath and InjuryHomicides (any method)Gun HomicidesProductionGun IndustryRegulation of Firearm MakersIn Belize, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence11 TransfersGun Trade and TraffickingMeasuresGun RegulationFirearm Regulation - Guiding PolicyThe regulation of guns in Belize is categorised as restrictive21 Prohibited Firearms and AmmunitionIn Belize, civilians are not allowed to possess all assault rifles, automatic and semiautomatic firearms, rifles of calibre greater than 7.62 mm or 0.30 inch, sawed-off rifles or shotguns, shotguns of barrel length 21 inches or less, rifled shotguns, handguns of calibre greater than 9mm or .38inch, armour-piercing ammunition, silencers, or extended handgun magazines26 Regulation of Automatic Assault WeaponsRegulation of Semiautomatic Assault WeaponsGun Owner LicensingIn Belize, only licensed gun owners28 29 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition Genuine Reason Required for Firearm LicenceGun Owner Background ChecksAn applicant for a firearm licence in Belize must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental, medical and previous firearm ownership25 records Reference Required for Firearm LicenceDomestic Violence and FirearmsFirearm Safety TrainingGun Owner Licensing PeriodIn Belize gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 1 year33 Licensing RecordsLimit on Number of GunsLicensed firearm owners in Belize are permitted to possess only the number of firearms indicated in the licence28 Limit on Quantity, Type of AmmunitionA licensed firearm owner in Belize is permitted to possess only the quantity of ammunition indicated in the licence28 Firearm RegistrationCivilian Gun RegistrationGun Dealer Record KeepingIn Belize, licensed firearm dealers are required36 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority Gun Sales and TransfersBackground Checks for Private Gun SalesRegulation of Private Gun SalesIn Belize, the private sale and transfer of firearms is permitted35 Regulation of Dealer Gun SalesWaiting Period for Gun PossessionStorage and Transport of Guns and AmmunitionFirearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - PrivateFirearm regulations in Belize include29 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - DealerFirearm regulations in Belize include38 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers Marking and Tracing Guns and AmmunitionFirearm MarkingIn Belize, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law36 Firearm TracingPenalty for Illicit Firearm PossessionIn Belize, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is a prison term of 5 years for a first offence, and 7 years for a second or subsequent offence41 Collection, Amnesty and Destruction ProgrammesAuthorities in Belize are known to have3 42 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation Small Arms DestroyedIn Belize, the total number of firearms destroyed following recent amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be 78542 (2006-2008) MeasuresInternational ControlsRegional AgreementsCentral American Integration SystemAs a member of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Belize is party to the 2007 Central American Programme on Small Arms Control and the Code of Conduct of Central American States on the Transfer of Arms, Ammunition, Explosives and Other Related Material43 Organization of American StatesOn 14 November 1997, as a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Belize adopted the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), a legally binding multilateral treaty of which the OAS is depository. The CIFTA Convention has since been signed and ratified44 45 by Belize United Nations Arms Trade TreatyIn 2009, Belize voted to begin46 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes United Nations Firearms ProtocolThe United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed47 by Belize United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoAUNPoA CommitmentOn 21 July 2001, Belize committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects48 UNPoA National ReportingUNPoA National Point of ContactIn Belize, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated50 UNPoA National Coordinating BodyIn Belize, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated50 UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and SupportIn National Reports of Belize submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is not apparent50 UNPoA International Assistance – DonorFunds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated50 by Belize to other UN Member States United Nations Small Arms RegisterAccording to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Belize has not declared51 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports. United Nations MembershipIn the UN List of Member States, Belize has been a Member State of the United Nations since 198152 Wassenaar ArrangementThe Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list53 Belize as a Participating State |
Short References
- 1.
-
2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation
- 2.
-
2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation
- 3.
-
2010.‘Illicit Firearm Trafficking and Control Mechanisms in Belize.’ IX Seminar: Control of Arms Transfers and Trafficking – Compilation.Santa Marta:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime / UNODC,25 February. (Q5463)Full Citation
- 4.
-
2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation
- 5.
-
2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation
- 6.
-
2011.‘Intentional Homicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5678)Full Citation
- 7.
-
2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Belize.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6350)Full Citation
- 8.
-
2011.‘Latin America and the Caribbean, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3817)Full Citation
- 9.
-
2011.‘Suicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5680)Full Citation
- 10.
-
2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation
- 11.
-
2000.‘Prohibition Against Manufacture of Firearms or Ammunition.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1760)Full Citation
- 12.
-
2000.‘Exportation of Firearms, etc., from Belize.’ Firearms (International Movement of Firearms, Firearms Parts, Components and Ammunition) (Control) Regulations, No.23 of 2000.Belmopan:Minister of National Security,26 February. (Q1742)Full Citation
- 13.
-
2000.‘Exportation of Ammunition from Belize.’ Firearms (International Movement of Firearms, Firearms Parts, Components and Ammunition) (Control) Regulations, No.23 of 2000.Belmopan:Minister of National Security,26 February. (Q1744)Full Citation
- 14.
-
2000.‘Authorised Quantities.’ Firearms (International Movement of Firearms, Firearms Parts, Components and Ammunition) (Control) Regulations, No.23 of 2000.Belmopan:Minister of National Security,26 February. (Q1745)Full Citation
- 15.
-
2000.‘Records.’ Firearms (International Movement of Firearms, Firearms Parts, Components and Ammunition) (Control) Regulations, No.23 of 2000.Belmopan:Minister of National Security,26 February. (Q1746)Full Citation
- 16.
-
2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation
- 17.
-
2000.‘Importation of Firearms, etc., into Belize.’ Firearms (International Movement of Firearms, Firearms Parts, Components and Ammunition) (Control) Regulations, No.23 of 2000.Belmopan:Minister of National Security,26 February. (Q1743)Full Citation
- 18.
-
2000.‘Importation of Firearms.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1753)Full Citation
- 19.
-
2000.‘Firearms Act.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q4070)Full Citation
- 20.
-
2000.‘Statutory Instrument No.23 of 2000.’ Firearms (International Movement of Firearms, Firearms Parts, Components and Ammunition) (Control) Regulations.Belmopan:Minister of National Security,26 February. (Q4915)Full Citation
- 21.
-
1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation
- 22.
-
2000.‘Firearms Act.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1747)Full Citation
- 23.
-
2008.‘Firearms (Amendment) Act.’ Firearms (Amendment) Act, No.6 of 2008.Belmopan:House of Representatives and the Senate of Belize,2 June. (Q3578)Full Citation
- 24.
-
2000.‘Statutory Instrument No.23 of 2000.’ Firearms (International Movement of Firearms, Firearms Parts, Components and Ammunition) (Control) Regulations.Belmopan:Minister of National Security,26 February. (Q4916)Full Citation
- 25.
-
2000.‘Licences, By Whom Granted and Conditions of Issue.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1750)Full Citation
- 26.
-
2008.‘Prohibited Firearms, Ammunition and other Materials.’ Statutory Instrument No.70 of 2008, Firearms (Amendment of Schedules) Order, 2008.Belmopan:Minister of National Security and the Commissioner of Police,12 June. (Q3580)Full Citation
- 27.
-
2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5361)Full Citation
- 28.
-
2000.‘Prohibition against Keeping Firearms without Licence.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1748)Full Citation
- 29.
-
2011.‘Application for Firearms Licence.’ Belize Police Department Firearms Licence Application Form.Belmopan:Belize Police Department,26 June. (Q5213)Full Citation
- 30.
-
2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5396)Full Citation
- 31.
-
2000.‘Offences in Respect of Persons Under 16 Years of Age.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1758)Full Citation
- 32.
-
2000.‘Regulations.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1762)Full Citation
- 33.
-
2000.‘Expiry of Licences.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1763)Full Citation
- 34.
-
2000.‘Register of Licences.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1752)Full Citation
- 35.
-
2000.‘Unlicensed Persons Selling Firearms.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1754)Full Citation
- 36.
-
2000.‘Licensed Gun Dealer to Keep Stock Books.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1755)Full Citation
- 37.
-
2000.‘Gun Dealer Licences.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1749)Full Citation
- 38.
-
2000.‘Licences, By Whom Granted and Conditions of Issue.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1751)Full Citation
- 39.
-
2000.‘Minister May Prohibit Carrying or Sale of Arms.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1756)Full Citation
- 40.
-
2000.‘Restriction on the Carrying of Firearms in Certain Circumstances.’ Firearms Act, Chapter 143, Revised Edition 2000.Belmopan:Law Revision Commissioner,31 December. (Q1761)Full Citation
- 41.
-
2008.‘General Penalty.’ Firearms (Amendment) Act, No.6 of 2008.Belmopan:House of Representatives and the Senate of Belize,2 June. (Q3579)Full Citation
- 42.
-
2010.‘Seized and Destroyed Arms (Armas Decomisadas y Destruidas).’ IX Seminar: Control of Arms Transfers and Trafficking – Compilation (IX Seminario: Control del Tráfico y Transferencia de Armas de Fuego – Sistematización).Santa Marta:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime / UNODC,25 February. (Q5508)Full Citation
- 43.
-
2007.‘Central American Programme on Small Arms Control.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:Central American Integration System / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,1 January. (Q3221)Full Citation
- 44.
-
1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials / CIFTA.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:Organization of American States / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 November. (Q3244)Full Citation
- 45.
-
1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA): Signatures and Ratifications.’ Organization of American States, Department of International Law.Washington DC:Organization of American States,14 November. (Q3262)Full Citation
- 46.
-
2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation
- 47.
-
2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation
- 48.
-
2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation
- 49.
-
2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation
- 50.
-
2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation
- 51.
-
2011.‘National Reports on Small Arms Exports.’ United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - The Global Reported Arms Trade.New York:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,21 October. (Q14)Full Citation
- 52.
-
2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation
- 53.
-
1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation

Top of Page
