Stalled investigation on trafficking of Haitian minors

Former Ombudsman writes A.G. on alleged human trafficking of 9 Haitian minors. Swaso requests a response “within the statutory 14-day period” under the Freedom of Information Act

BELMOPAN, Thurs. July 23, 2026

   Former Ombudsman, Major (Ret’d) Herman Gilbert Swaso has filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) seeking an update on an investigation into the welfare and legal status of nine Haitian girls who have been living in Belize under the care of the organization, Beauty Out of Ashes. The request, submitted to the Ministry of the Attorney General, seeks information on the status of an investigation that originated from a complaint made to the Office of the Ombudsman by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Belize and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

   According to Swaso, the matter concerns nine Haitian minors who entered Belize in 2023 and later came under the care of Canadian nationals associated with Beauty Out of Ashes, an organization that had relocated from Haiti to Spanish Lookout. In his FOIA request, Swaso says the complaint raised several concerns, including the girls’ immigration and refugee status, legal guardianship, welfare, and possible human trafficking-related issues.

   During his tenure as Ombudsman, he said his office sought documentation from several government agencies, including the Department of Human Services and the Refugee Department, but was unable to obtain the information needed to complete the investigation before his term ended on December 31, 2025.

   In the request, Swaso stressed the importance of ensuring that the investigation remains active. “I am concerned to ensure that this investigation is not swept under the carpet, suffocated by inaction, or worse yet, placed in the hands of someone who will be politically compliant and not continue with a fair, independent and thorough investigation of the serious allegations made.”

   Swaso also outlined the seriousness of the original complaint, stating that it involved vulnerable children and potential failures in their protection. “The complaint raised matters of the highest public importance. It concerned vulnerable minors, the circumstances in which they were removed from Haiti and brought into Belize, their immigration and refugee/asylum status, the absence or sufficiency of legal guardianship documents, and the role of public authorities in ensuring their welfare. It was clear to me that there was a strong possibility that these young girls were the victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.”

   According to Swaso, the investigation was prompted by concerns raised by UNICEF and UNHCR regarding the girls’ legal status and welfare, including questions surrounding their guardianship and documentation. He has also questioned whether sufficient action was taken by the relevant authorities before his office became involved. Through the FOIA request, the former Ombudsman is seeking details on the current status of the investigation and any administrative steps taken since the conclusion of his tenure. Under the Freedom of Information Act, he has requested that the Attorney General’s Ministry respond within the statutory 14-day period.