2019 Belizean territorial dispute referendum facts for kids

A referendum is like a big vote where everyone in a country gets to decide on an important question. In Belize, a country in Central America, people had a special vote about a long-standing disagreement with their neighbor, Guatemala. This vote was first planned for April 10, 2019, but it was moved to May 8, 2019.

The main reason for this vote was to ask Belizeans if they agreed to let the International Court of Justice (ICJ) help solve the border dispute between Belize and Guatemala. The ICJ is a very important court that helps countries settle their disagreements peacefully.

When the votes were counted, 58% of people voted "Yes," meaning they wanted the ICJ to help. 42% voted "No."

What is a Referendum?

A referendum is a direct vote where all the people in a country or region can say "yes" or "no" to a specific question. It's a way for citizens to have a direct say in important decisions.

Why Do Countries Hold Referendums?

Countries hold referendums for many reasons. They might want to change a law, decide on a big project, or, like in Belize, solve a long-standing problem with another country. It's a way to make sure the government knows what its people want.

Understanding the Belize-Guatemala Border Dispute

Belize and Guatemala have had a disagreement about their shared border for a very long time. This dispute goes back many years, even before Belize became an independent country.

What is the Dispute About?

Guatemala has historically claimed that a large part of Belizean territory belongs to them. Belize, however, has always said that its borders are clear and recognized by international agreements. This disagreement has caused tension between the two countries.

Seeking a Peaceful Solution

Both countries have tried to find a way to solve this problem peacefully. They have talked to each other and tried different ways to agree on the border. Asking the International Court of Justice for help is one of the ways to find a fair and final solution.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice, often called the ICJ, is the main court of the United Nations. It is located in The Hague, a city in the Netherlands.

What Does the ICJ Do?

The ICJ helps countries solve legal disagreements between them. Only countries can bring cases to the ICJ. It gives advice on legal questions and helps settle disputes about borders, treaties, and other international laws. Its decisions are final and binding for the countries involved.

How the ICJ Helps with Border Disputes

When countries cannot agree on their borders, they can ask the ICJ to look at all the historical documents, maps, and agreements. The court then makes a decision based on international law. This decision is meant to be fair and helps both countries move forward.

The Referendum Vote in Belize

The referendum in Belize was a very important event. It gave every eligible citizen a chance to decide how their country should try to solve the border issue with Guatemala.

When Did People Vote?

The vote was first planned for April 10, 2019. However, the date was changed to May 8, 2019. This gave people more time to understand the question and decide how they wanted to vote.

What Was the Question?

The question asked on the ballot was: "Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to the maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that any such claim should be decided by the Court on the basis of international law?"

In simpler words, it asked if people wanted the ICJ to make the final decision on the border dispute.

What Were the Results?

The results showed that most Belizeans who voted wanted the ICJ to help.

• Yes: 58%
• No: 42%

This means that the majority of voters agreed to take the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

What Happens Next?

With the "Yes" vote, Belize and Guatemala can now officially ask the International Court of Justice to hear their case. The ICJ will then study all the information and make a final decision about the border. This process can take some time, but it is a step towards a lasting peace between the two countries.

See also

In Spanish: Referéndum de Belice de 2019 para niños