The first national consultation on the “Early Warnings for All” (EW4All) initiative marked a key step in assessing the current state of early warning systems in Belize and identifying gaps that will inform the development of a concrete national roadmap. This plan will guide the country towards accessible, inclusive, and multi-hazard early warning systems that go beyond meteorological risks and incorporate a broader range of threats.Held from May 5 to 7, the consultation was convened by the Government of Belize, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, and partners such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The meeting enabled the consolidation of a national diagnosis of gaps and opportunities, as well as the outlining of pillars and areas for improvement that will shape a coordinated national strategy.“Let this workshop be the starting point for a renewed national commitment: where we strengthen our multi-hazard early warning systems, mobilize the necessary financial and human resources, and align our efforts with ongoing initiatives. ‘Early Warnings for All’ should not be just a vision of the United Nations—it must be Belize’s vision. Together, with knowledge, partnerships, and willpower, we can build a more resilient and inclusive Belize for future generations,” stated Carlos Pol, Executive Director of the Ministry of Economic Development, on behalf of Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño.This national process is supported by a set of complementary initiatives. Among them is the development of the Country Work Programme (CWP), led by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) with support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), which defines risk management priorities for the next four years. The Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) project—jointly implemented by UNDRR and WMO—enhances the enabling environment for these systems. These efforts are further complemented by Belize’s active participation in the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative.“We recognize the strong commitment of the Government of Belize to disaster risk reduction, clearly reflected in the development of the CWP and its focus on inclusive and integrated early warning systems,” said Nahuel Arenas, Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean. “At UNDRR, we reaffirm our support to work alongside local governments in strengthening resilience and protection for all people,” he added.The consultation also served as a platform to launch the joint programme of the Joint SDG Fund titled “Inclusive Resilience in Safe and Smart Spaces in Belize,” implemented by UN Women and UNDRR, in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government. The programme focuses on urban resilience, gender equality, and community safety, promoting safe and smart spaces and the development of inclusive local resilience plans for Belize City.The launch began with the official ceremony of Belize City’s accession to the MCR2030 initiative. During the event, Mayor Bernard Wagner formally handed over the signed letter of commitment to the UNDRR Regional Chief, thus marking the city’s incorporation into this global network and reinforcing its commitment to building a safer and more resilient urban future.“Our participation in MCR2030 goes beyond symbolism. It is a clear statement that Belize City is committed to a future where safety, preparedness, sustainability, and inclusive urban development are not optional, but essential,” declared Mayor Bernard Wagner.“This effort aims to ensure that more people—especially in the most vulnerable communities—receive timely alerts and know how to respond,” said Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management.Beyond reports and diagnostics, the true impact of these initiatives will be measured by their ability to save lives and protect livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities and among historically excluded groups.“Belize’s commitment to linking national policies with concrete local actions is an encouraging step towards the goals of the Sendai Framework. This progress reminds us that when we work in coordination and keep people at the center, resilience is not only possible—it is real,” stated Raúl Salazar, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Belize and El Salvador.Resilience is more than a policy—it is a daily practice that requires coordination, evidence, participation, and political will. On this path, Belize and El Salvador recognize each other as natural partners. What is learned in one context can—and should—strengthen action in the other.

Belize has been praised by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for advancing the right of women and girls to education. The Committee, which consists of 23 international experts on women's rights, monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and reviews progress made by countries in fulfilling their obligations under the treaty. Alongside the commendation, Committee experts reviewing Belize's combined fifth to ninth periodic reports on implementation of the treaty, also raised concerns about women's and girls' access to healthcare in Belize and the prevalence of gender-based violence, particularly in relation to gang activity.One Committee member praised Belize's efforts to improve access to education for women and girls, notably through the creation of the Belize Education Upliftment Programme, launched to improve access to education for students from low-income households. The introduction of compulsory psychosocial support sessions for children aged five and six was also highlighted as a positive step for its role in boosting emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and positive behaviours — all traits that support building healthy relationships.The Committee also registered its deep concern about the prevalence of gender-based violence in Belize, noting its connection to high levels of insecurity, proliferation of firearms, and gang warfare. About 65 per cent of murdered women and girls in Belize are victims of gender-related killings or femicide, with half of these murders committed using firearms.The Belizean delegation, led by Elvia Vega-Samos, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, acknowledged these challenges, outlining measures being taken to combat gun violence and drug trafficking, including enhanced policing efforts and outreach programmes targeting vulnerable youth. While the Committee further commended Belize for removing fees in public hospitals and deciding to waive taxes on feminine hygiene products, experts inquired about adolescent pregnancy rates and the government's efforts to address this issue, as well as measures to ensure safe access to sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion services.CEDAW was established by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Belize, having ratified the Convention in 1990, is one of the 189 state parties legally obligated to implement the treaty's provisions and is subject to regular review by CEDAW.

As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2024 under the theme, “Take the Rights Path,” we are reminded that the fight against HIV and AIDS transcends medical advancements. It demands a commitment to human rights and social justice. For Belize, this theme resonates powerfully as the country grapples with a concentrated HIV epidemic that disproportionately impacts marginalized populations.Tackling Belize’s HIV Epidemic: An Urgent PriorityBelize, with an HIV prevalence of 1.3% among the general population, has one of the highest prevalence rates in Central America and ranks above the Caribbean average of 1.2%. An estimated 3,700 people are living with HIV in the country with about half of them on treatment. While new infections have declined by 29% since 2010, surpassing the regional average reduction of 22%, challenges persist.Young people aged 15-24 years accounted for 18% of all new infections in 2023, signaling a need for tailored interventions. Key populations, particularly gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), face disproportionately high prevalence rates, underscoring their heightened vulnerabilities.AIDS-related deaths have risen by 14% since 2010, with more males than females succumbing to the disease, underscoring the urgent need for better early diagnosis, treatment coverage, and retention in care. For the second consecutive year (2023–2024), national data indicates that males aged 20–49 are being newly diagnosed with HIV at a rate 1.5 times higher than females in the same age group. Furthermore, over 40% of people living with HIV who are linked to care are lost to follow-up, highlighting significant gaps in appointment adherence. The management of advanced HIV disease remains a major challenge, threatening Belize’s progress toward achieving its National Strategic Plan goals.Despite these challenges, Belize has achieved notable milestones. The elimination of Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV and syphilis was a landmark public health achievement in 2023. Additionally, Belize decriminalized the transmission, exposure, and non-disclosure of HIV through a legislative amendment of its Criminal Code in 2023—a progressive step that reflects the country’s commitment to reducing structural barriers. This will go a long way to lessen stigma and boost support for those living with HIV, promoting openness and better healthcare access. However, stigma, discrimination, and inadequate resources continue to hinder access to critical services, particularly for people living with HIV and for key populations. The high demand for psychological and legal aid services highlights the diverse challenges faced, including domestic violence and substance abuse. According to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), in its 2023 Annual Report, women, girls and adolescents -  including indigenous women, migrant women, and those facing intersectional marginalization - often experience gender-based exclusion from the community, discrimination in employment, police brutality and harassment. Such acts against marginalized groups create fear and discourage individuals from seeking essential health services, perpetuating health disparities and social exclusion. Despite the country’s progress - including legislative advancements such as decriminalizing consensual same-sex activities - LGBTI individuals, sex workers, and people living with HIV continue to face societal discrimination that limits their ability to access justice and healthcare safely. This highlights the importance of addressing structural barriers and creating a legal and social environment that respects and protects human rights for all​.Prioritizing Human Rights for long term impact Human rights are fundamental to the health and well-being of every individual and central to ending AIDS as a public health threat. Respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights ensures the dignity of all and is critical for achieving Belize’s development goals.Human rights violations, such as pervasive stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV and key populations, exacerbate the HIV epidemic. Many of them experience judgment and breaches of confidentiality in healthcare settings, leading to delayed testing, treatment interruptions, and missed prevention opportunities.To address these barriers, Belize must focus on:Expanding Prevention Efforts:
Scale up pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programs. Ensure access to STI screening and treatment services, particularly for MSM and young men, using innovative approaches such as digital media, self-testing, index testing, and partner notification through social and sexual network testing.Addressing Stigma:
Implement culturally sensitive, evidence-based anti-stigma training for healthcare workers and community actors. Create inclusive, judgement-free environments where individuals feel safe seeking care.Strengthening Health Systems:
Build integrated data systems to track progress, improve retention in care, and protect patient autonomy and confidentiality as well collaborating with Civil Society and communities in tracking violations of human rights and seeking redress. Ensure that services are available, accessible, acceptable, of good quality and safe for all.Empowering Communities:
Strengthen community-led initiatives to deliver HIV services and expand safe spaces for Persons living with HIV, and key populations and other vulnerable populations. Capacity building and certification of Lay Testers (peer navigators) should be expanded to enhance their role in bridging gaps in care and to assist in bringing people back to care.A Call to ActionBelize has demonstrated resilience and progress in its HIV response. Landmark achievements, such as the elimination of Mother-to-Child transmission and recent decriminalization reforms, are testament to the government’s commitment. However, the rise in AIDS-related deaths and persistent barriers to care highlight the need for urgent, rights-based interventions. In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable. But reaching this goal requires breaking down the barriers keeping people from vital services.”On this World AIDS Day, the United Nations urges policymakers, civil society, and healthcare providers in Belize to take bold steps to end AIDS by 2030:Further Dismantle Barriers:
Build on the success in repealing discriminatory laws, including reducing the age of consent for adolescent access to medical services in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Belize has domesticated as part of its national laws. Advocate for legal protections that reduce stigma and discrimination in all settings. Push the Equal Opportunities Bill through the legislature. Invest in Prevention:
Expand comprehensive prevention services, including PrEP, HIV self-testing, and STI care, targeting MSM and young men.Support Community Leadership:
Empower civil society organizations to lead the response through capacity-building and sustainable funding mechanisms.Commit to Data-Driven Interventions:
Strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems to guide evidence-based programming and ensure accountability.Ensure Sustainable Financing:
Mobilize domestic resources to complement donor funding and secure the long-term sustainability of Belize’s HIV response.By prioritizing human rights, empowering communities, and fostering strategic partnerships, Belize can accelerate its journey toward ending AIDS and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: ensuring health and well-being for all. Let us commit to taking the rights path, ensuring a future where health, dignity, and equality are universal realities for all Belizeans.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade with support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Youth, Transport and Sports, and the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, in partnership with Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRCO) and the UN Country Team jointly convened a National Youth Dialogue on the Summit of the Future on 9 August 2024. The event brought together a cross section of over 100 stakeholders including diverse young Belizeans from across the country through academia and youth organizations, with policy and decision makers from the Government and the UN System. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Hon. Francis Fonseca, emphasized the significance of youth involvement, stating, “Our young people are the torchbearers of our future. Their voices and ideas are crucial in shaping the direction of our nation and the global community. As we look toward the Summit of the Future, it is imperative that we include our youth in these critical conversations.”The Youth Dialogue served as a platform to deepen understanding among young people on critical global challenges, as well as on how actions to address those challenges will impact their future. It created a space for youth to share innovative ideas and solutions to solve the development challenges we face today including rebuilding trust and solidarity to promote more effective international cooperation. It was structured around three (3) panel discussions co-moderated by the Government and United Nations with four (4) youth panelists in each, one from each of the four (4) Universities in Belize including the University of Belize, Galen University, the University of the West Indies, and St. John’s College (University). United Nations Resident Coordinator for Belize, Raul Salazar, remarked that, “Youth engagement is essential to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. By involving young people in dialogues like this, we are not only ensuring that their voices are heard, but we are also empowering them to be active agents of change in building a sustainable and equitable future for all. The UN Country Team in Belize stands ready to continue partnering with the government and academia in ensuring that youth voices remain at the table in leaving no one behind.” The panels of the Youth Dialogue covered three (3) Chapters from the Pact for the Future which will be an inter-governmentally agreed outcome by world leaders from the Summit of the Future taking place 22-23 September 2024 in New York. These panels included:Sustainable Development and Financing for DevelopmentScience, Technology, Innovation and Digital CooperationYouth and Future GenerationsA Youth Representative, Yannika Dorado from the University of the West Indies Global Campus Belize, shared their perspective, stating, “This dialogue has given us the opportunity to contribute our ideas and concerns. We are ready to take on the responsibility of working towards the SDGs and to ensure that our future is one of progress, inclusivity, and sustainability. We appreciate this initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the United Nations in Belize. Our future hangs in the balance, and it is ours to save.” The National Youth Dialogue is part of Belize's ongoing efforts to promote meaningful youth participation in national and international policy-making processes. The outcomes of the dialogue will contribute to Belize's input at the global Summit of the Future, ensuring that the voices of Belizean youth are represented on the international stage. The event underscores the commitment of the government and United Nations in Belize to continue engaging youth in shaping the policies and actions that will determine the future of the nation and the world.The Youth Dialogue was convened through leveraging partnerships between the Government of Belize, United Nations in Belize, academia, youth and civil society. Acknowledgement is given to the financial and technical support provided by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, UN Women, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNFPA, UNESCO, PAHO/WHO and OHCHR.   For media inquiries, please contact: Kevin ChenCommunications OfficerMinistry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign TradeGovernment of BelizePhone: +501-880-2322Email: ChenK@gobmail.gov.bz Mirsy PonceExecutive AssociateOffice of the UN Resident CoordinatorUnited Nations in BelizePhone: +501-822-2171Email: Mirsy.Ponce@un.org