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.  , filtered_html

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    , filtered_html

The Government of Belize and the United Nations Country Team convened its 4th Joint National Steering Committee Meeting, co-chaired by H.E. Amalia Mai, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Mr. Raul Salazar, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador. This Steering Committee provides strategic oversight and guidance for the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022-2026 which covers 22 countries in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean adopted by Belize in December 2021.During the meeting, several key areas of cooperation between the Government of Belize and the United Nations were discussed. These included a progress update on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Belize following its recently completed Voluntary National Review (VNR), as well as the upcoming national Youth Dialogue on 9 August 2024 in preparation for the global Summit of the Future in September as part of the 79th UN General Assembly. The agenda also focused on gaps and opportunities in Disaster Risk Reduction and enhancing national Development Partner Coordination.H.E. CEO Amalia Mai emphasized the critical importance of the continued partnership with the UN to facilitate transformative initiatives that can yield quick and impactful results to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs by 2030. "Through the Joint National Steering Committee with the UN, we are able to jointly engage on the evolving national context, including Belize's regional and international commitments, while strategically aligning the implementation of the UNMSDCF 2022-2026 with Belize's Medium-term Development Strategy (MTDS) 2022-2026." A key highlight of the meeting was the formal handing over of the UN Country Results Report (CRR) for 2023 and the signing of the UN Country Implementation Plan (CIP) for 2024-2025 under the second planning cycle of the Cooperation Framework. The plan outlines 161 projects to be implemented by fifteen (15) UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes working in Belize with a total budget of US $47.0 million, of which 45% is to be mobilized.UN Resident Coordinator Raul Salazar reiterated the continued commitment of the UN Country Team in Belize to work in close partnership with the Government to continue advancing sustainable development. "As a small island developing state (SIDS), Belize continues to face multiple economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities requiring innovative solutions that leverage partnerships at all levels. The UN CIP 2024-2025 reflects the views of communities, academia, vulnerable groups, and government to ensure that the actions respond to the needs of the people of Belize aligned to national development priorities. The UN’s main mandate is to remain functional and fit-for-purpose to improve the living conditions of all Belizeans." The Plan covers four (4) key pillars in the UNMSDCF which include: Shared Prosperity and Economic Resilience Equality, Well-Being and Leaving No One Behind Resilience to Climate Change and Sustainable Natural Resource Management Peace, Safety, Justice and the Rule of LawThe Government of Belize and the United Nations in Belize acknowledge this joint milestone and underscore the continued importance of its partnership in working together towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all Belizeans. For media inquiries, please contact: Kevin Chen, Communications Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Government of Belize, Phone: +501-880-2322, Email: ChenK@gobmail.gov.bz Mirsy Ponce, Executive Associate, Office of the Resident Coordinator, United Nations in Belize, Phone: +501-822-2171, Email: Mirsy.Ponce@un.org  , filtered_html

BELMOPAN CITY, BELIZE, APRIL 06, 2024:The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Transport, and the UN System, is hosting the first-ever National Youth Conference on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), anchored on the Voluntary National Review (VNR).The VNR is a process by which countries take stock and assess progress and challenges in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. As part of its follow-up and review mechanisms, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages member states to "conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels, which are country-led and country- driven". In keeping with this guidance, Belize is preparing to deliver the 2024 VNR that will assess all 17 SDGs. This report is expected to (i) assess the progress in the implementation of the SDGs using the relevant SDGs indicators, (ii) fulfil the reporting commitment, (iii) identify gaps in implementation (iv) strengthen and promote the need for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting and (v) assessing the Private Sector Investment Programme’s (PSIPs) alignment with SDGs.Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change highlighted that “Our journey has seen only one comprehensive assessment so far: the 2017 Voluntary National Review (VNR), which reviewed only 4 out of the 17 SDGs. We convene to contribute to the shaping of Belize's 2nd VNR report, which will now encompass all SDGs. This review process also integrates the valuable lessons learned from our first VNR experience, including the application of a whole-of-society approach to ensure no one is left behind, with particular emphasis on the crucial role of young people as stakeholders in this process. Belize stands resolute in its commitment to these goals, striving not only for their attainment but also for their seamless integration into the very fabric of our nation's development. Our 2nd Medium-Term Development Strategy, #PlanBelize 2022-2026, stands as a testament to these unwavering pledges, fully aligned with the 17 Development Goals.”With over 60 per cent of the population comprised of persons under the age of thirty (30); this initiative is a participatory feature of the ongoing 2024 VNR process that seeks to incorporate the voices of adolescents and youth. Discussion for the one-day event will be anchored in the five pillars of People, Planet, Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership. The conference is also being used as a platform to initiate continuous engagement and participants will develop an action plan to further mobilize young people to advocate for and monitor SDG goals through community engagement and using digital and SMS polls on the U-Report Platform.Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Transport envisioned that “It is imperative for governments, development partners, and influencers to enact policies that prioritize the development and human rights of young people in Belize. Hence, my government commits to the development of a Youth Policy. Providing a formal space for youth involvement. Increasing the resources for investment in young people.”UNICEF Representative for Belize, Alison Parker on behalf of the UN system, emphasized the significance of adolescent and youth engagement in high-level national processes. “Last year, nation states and development partners crossed the half-way point to address the SDGs, with an urgent call for multilateralism to drive results. This consultative conference is therefore timely, as it affords the opportunity for us to again listen, assess and reflect on stakeholder’s feedback and real-life perspectives, and rapidly accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda. Now, more than ever, the UN is invested in partnerships that accelerate efforts for children, adolescents and young people, to meet the commitments to the next generation.”The empowerment of young people is not just beneficial but essential for sustainable development. Their inclusion in decision-making processes ensures that policies and initiatives are reflective of their needs and aspirations, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of sustainability efforts. Learning more about the SDGs can help young people develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They must have a deeper understanding of how the world works and be aware of all complex interplays between the various social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to national challenges.Eighteen year old Matilda DeLeon offered “Congratulations to the Government of Belize and the United Nations for including the voices of our young persons in this process through empowerment and responsibility in moving the Sustainable Development Goals forward.”The 2024 VNR Report will also serve to inform the necessary adjustments to be made to the current medium-term development strategy, #PlanBelize 2022-2026 to be more impactful and effective in its efforts to build a more democratic, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Belize and to ensure no one is left behind.-END-About the 2024 VNR Reporting process:The 2024 VNR aims to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Belize in this challenged decade of action. This VNR report will assess the progress to date, inclusive of Belize’s past medium-term strategy, Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS) 2016-2020. It will also serve to inform the necessary adjustments to be made to the current medium-term development strategy, #PlanBelize 2022-2026 to be more impactful and effective in its efforts to build a more democratic, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Belize. The report will also assess GOB’s Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).For more information, please contact:Mr. Victor Alegria, Director, Sustainable Development Unit, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Phone: 822-0160
E-mail: dir.susdev@environment.gov.bz, filtered_html