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Story
28 November 2023
Joint Agreement to Support Migrants, Refugees and Children in Belize Signed by IOM, UNICEF and UNHCR
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Story
22 November 2023
Medical Equipment Donation to Strengthen Nursing Education in Belize
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Story
03 November 2023
Belize wins Caribbean Immunization Surveillance Award
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Belize
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Belize:
Story
09 August 2023
Honouring Belizean Youth on World Indigenous Day
As the United Nations Belize commemorates the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we proudly celebrate the contributions of young Belizeans from indigenous communities who serve as 'Agents of Change for Self-determination.' Among these inspiring individuals, our focus turns to Florentino Chiac Jr., a Science Manager at Ya’axché Conservation Trust who stands at the forefront of safeguarding wildlife and ecosystems in protected areas managed by the organization, as well as farmlands within the Maya Golden Landscape in Southern Belize.
Pioneering Citizen Science for Biodiversity Monitoring
Florentino's innovative approach has transformed wildlife camera trapping into a citizen science initiative for monitoring biodiversity in the indigenous farming landscape of the Toledo District. This entails strategically placing cameras on the farms to capture photos and videos of the animals in their natural habitats. By engaging 27 farmers as custodians of the land and lens, he has successfully bridged the gap in communicating biodiversity information to farming families. This not only enriches scientific knowledge but has also led to behavioural changes among the farmers, helping them understand the significance of wildlife research and the role of their sustainable farming practices in contributing to biodiversity conservation.
Empowering Through Education
Florentino's commitment has also resulted in the creation of an infographic guide that equips farming families with information about the rich diversity of species inhabiting their farmlands. Armed with this knowledge, these farmers now utilize the guide to educate students during eco-farm tours.
Fostering Harmony in Human-Jaguar Interactions
Mitigating human-wildlife conflicts is another area of keen interest for Florentino, given the prevalence of these conflicts in Southern Belize. With a particular focus on addressing human-jaguar interactions, he works closely with farmers to document predator encounters and recommends mitigation measures to reduce conflicts. The data collected contributes to a national wildlife conflict database, offering insights that guide effective management interventions.
A Bridge of Cultural Understanding
Florentino's indigenous roots as a Mayan lend a unique perspective that amplifies the impact of his work. His connection with the Mayan farming communities in Toledo goes beyond scientific research, forging a bridge of cultural understanding and trust. This connection paves the way for shared learning and collaboration, honouring traditions while embracing new frontiers of knowledge.
Inspiration for the Future
Florentino's dedication and innovative approach have a lasting impact on wildlife conservation in Belize. His story serves as inspiration for young minds interested in preserving our planet's rich biodiversity. On this year’s International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, join us in celebrating Florentino Chiac Jr.'s unwavering commitment to nature and community!
Share Your Story of Impact
We invite other young indigenous Belizeans to share their own impactful stories, aligned with the theme: "Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination." For more information, please email us at rcs-unbelize@un.org.
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24 June 2023
Saving a Belize village from man-made erosion
“My grandma and my grandfather are now washed out in the sea,” says Mario Muschamp, gazing out at the coast near his close-knit Creole community. “You know, their graves are gone. That really hurts.”
This is the reality for the inhabitants of Monkey River, who have watched on, powerless, as their football field, their homes, and even the graves of deceased loved ones, are claimed by the sea.
Man-made activity has been identified by experts as the main cause of the coastal erosion which is devastating the village and causing such deep suffering, notably industrial salt mining and water diversion. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that some members of the community have moved away.
The geotube fightback
Others, however, have decided to stay and fight, and, in the words of local schoolteachers Audra Castellanos, “put Monkey River back on the map”.
Mr. Muschamp is the President of the Monkey River Watershed Association, a community-based organization working to conserve and restore the integrity of the entire Monkey River Watershed, and ensure that it continues to provide a multitude of benefits to local residents and the coastal ecosystem.
To this end, the Monkey River Watershed Association partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to install one hundred and sixty feet of sand filled “geotubes” in front of the most threatened properties.
Residents are teaming up with UNDP to install the geotubes, massive synthetic sandbags that create physical barriers to wave energy and erosion, and take other measures to slow the disintegration of the shoreline.
‘We need climate justice’
“Monkey River Village is one of those coastal communities that we prioritize,” said Leonel Requena, UNDP’s National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme. “Monkey River’s inhabitants are not responsible for the climate crisis, yet they are the ones that are suffering the greatest loss and damage. What we need is climate justice.”
The story of Monkey River is about a hub of biodiversity where the river meets the sea – but more than that, it is about a community that, like so many others, is joining forces to turn the tide on climate change, with the support of the United Nations.
Since a 2022 United Nations Global Lens video documentary on the community was produced in 2022, yet another home has been claimed by the sea, but the residents who have resolved to protect their village say nothing will wash away their resolve to fight coastal erosion.
“We have been doing our best to try and keep what we have,” said Mr. Muschamp. “I don't want to see any more graves go to the sea.”
This story was first published to UN News.
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Story
04 February 2022
The kitchen, as the foundation of a new life
For many refugees and displaced people in the Americas and the Caribbean, food represents a way to hold onto their origins and share with their host communities. In From Our Table to Yours: Fusion Cuisine
For Natasha*, cooking has always been a favorite hobby. But one day, that pastime turned into her livelihood after she was forced to flee her native El Salvador to Belize, following threats from gang members.
Natasha, 39, learned to cook as a child, alongside her mother. She continued the enjoyable tradition with her own daughter, until three years ago when the two of them were forced to flee. "The gang members harassed me and my daughter… They wanted [her] to join," Natasha explains, adding that the gang resorted to creative techniques to terrorize mother and daughter. "They even walked on our roof to scare us."
Mother and daughter endured in a constant state of fear until a tragedy hit far too close to home: They learned that a friend's daughter had been kidnapped and killed by a neighborhood gang. It was then that Natasha knew they had no choice but to leave their country, and the two fled with little more than what they could carry in a backpack.
In Belize, Natasha tried to find work as a clerk in a clothing store – a job she had held for years back in El Salvador – but she had no luck. Worried about how she was going to support her daughter, Natasha decided to put the culinary skills she had learned alongside her mother to use and cook for a living.
"I've been fortunate to have found many friends here who have taught me Belizean recipes," says Natasha, who now sells local dishes with a Salvadoran twist, including the most typical Belizean specialty, Rice and Beans.
Her recipe, "chicken with rice and beans", can be found in From Our Table to Yours: Fusion Cooking, a new cookbook published by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that is available for free download. This dish combines the most emblematic Belizean dish with the seasoned chicken and vegetables that are eaten in El Salvador.
Natasha hopes she and her daughter, now age 16, will be recognized as refugees in Belize so that they can rebuild their lives in peace. "What I love most about Belize is the peace and security that my daughter and I can enjoy here. We walk freely without fear."
Food can be a powerful tool for integration, as it was for Natasha and the 13 other displaced people who have shared their recipes in the Fusion Cuisine cookbook. But for many people who have had to flee, food is also something of constant concern. According to a recent survey by UNHCR, 48 percent of refugees in the Americas report eating only twice a day, while 6 percent of respondents eat only one meal a day.
It was precisely hunger, as well as difficulties in accessing much-needed medicine that pushed Alfredo, 68, to leave Venezuela. For this retired teacher, his monthly pension did not cover even his most basic food needs: The entire pension was enough to buy only a few kilos of rice or a half dozen eggs. Alfredo realized he had no choice but to flee, and a few years ago, he set out for Chile, where his daughter and grandchildren were waiting for him.
Although in many ways he managed to adapt well to his new life in the Chilean capital, Santiago, he found it very difficult to find a steady job. "For many months, I knocked on many doors but there was always some reason not to hire me," he recalls, "because I wasn't young, because I didn't have the right visa, because they believed I didn’t have the strength and many other reasons. I couldn't get a job, and it was very frustrating." This is a challenge faced by many older people who have been forced to start over from scratch in a new country. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic only made the situation worse.
However, Alfredo is not one to stand idly by. In the midst of the pandemic, he heard that the local parish was looking for volunteers for the soup kitchen, to help prepare hot meals for those in need. He began to volunteer and in the soup kitchen, he not only learned to make many Chilean dishes – such as Italian squash, charquicán, and potato cake – but has also shared a host of Venezuelan recipes.
In Fusion Cuisine, Alfredo shared the recipe for “pabellón criollo,” which combines spring onion, cilantro, red pepper, and plantain.”
“This dish has so many meanings for me – it means Venezuela. When I was a child and they cooked this dish in my house, it made me happy. Today I smell it and I remember that happiness”, explains Alfredo while he cuts, whisks, and fires off jokes in the kitchen.
Each Fusion Cuisine recipe is a mixture of flavors and sensations that combine to represent both displaced people’s host countries and their countries of origin. UNHCR invites you to cook with refugees and share your recipes.
*Names have been changed for protection reasons.
VIDEO: Natasha shares how to make Belizean rice and beans in a step-by-step video. The complete recipe is available in From our table to yours: Fusion Cuisine.
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23 February 2023
UNESCO supports post-disaster needs assessment of Belize Culture Sector
A Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) is currently being conducted of the Culture Sector in Belize as a result of the impact of Hurricane Lisa which impacted the island as a category 1 storm on November 2, 2022. Hurricane Lisa impacted the island with hurricane/tropical storm force winds resulting in flooding to the low-lying regions of Belize City and the communities of the northwest rural Belize, as well as the capital city Belmopan.
The Belize Culture Sector was among the affected Sectors which included Housing, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Health, Education and Tourism. Led by the Government of Belize, the PDNA pulls together information into a single, consolidated report and details information on the physical impacts of the disaster, the economic value of the damage and losses, the human impact as experienced by the affected population and the related recovery needs and priorities.
The PDNA of the Culture Sector is the first of its kind to be executed in Belize and also examines research institutions, built heritage and archaeological sites, moveable heritage, collections, depositories, living heritage and culture and creative industries. Related recovery needs and priorities of the Cultural Sector will be determined. The consolidated PDNA report highlighting the culture sector will contribute to a comprehensive recovery framework for Belize.
The PDNA is undertaken with the contributions of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and its four institutes/departments, the Institute of Archaeology, the Institute of Creative Arts, Museums of Belize, and Houses of Culture and the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, as well as the overall coordination of the Belize National Commission for UNESCO with technical advice from the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean.
This activity was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund. We wish to thank its donors: the Qatar Fund for Development, the Government of Canada, the Kingdom of Norway, the French Republic, the Principality of Monaco, ANA Holdings INC, the Republic of Estonia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of Serbia.
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21 June 2023
Partnering for the Social Protection of all in Belize
BELIZE CITY, BELIZE, 26 APRIL 2023 — The Government of Belize, together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) co-hosted a three-day event on Partnering for the Social Protection of All in Belize, culminating in a validation Conference on April 20th. This event is part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Joint Programme, which supports a resilient Belize through universal, adaptive and sustainable social protection.
The Joint Programme prioritizes key outcomes outlined in the Government’s Medium-Term Development Strategy 2022-2026, including Poverty reduction and Economic Transformation, as reminded by Dr. Marcelino Avila, Senior Policy Advisor to the Office of Prime Minister. The Joint Programme is expected to contribute to key social and economic outcomes and targets, including increased investments in basic social services, reduction in unemployment and poverty levels, among others.
This three-day forum is a major milestone for the Government of Belize as it marks the start of a national dialogue on the vision of social protection for all Belizeans. This dialogue will inform the development of the national Social Protection Strategy, inclusive of the Social Protection Floor, defining the minimum guarantees for all and along the life cycle, including children, working age population and elderly.
The event brought together nearly a hundred national practitioners and policy makers of the social protection system from the Government, public agencies, civil society; and international experts from UN agencies to learn, exchange and reflect on the state and future of social protection in Belize. Key pillars of the social protection system for Belize were discussed, including social budgeting and fiscal space, shock-responsiveness, and coordination mechanisms. The main messages and recommendations on the way-forward were delivered at the high-level validation conference.
Almost three out of four children worldwide are not covered by any form of social protection, leaving them vulnerable to economic hardship and social exclusion. UNICEF works with the Government to develop programmes that helps families recover from shocks of poverty, violence and vulnerability.
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28 November 2023
Joint Agreement to Support Migrants, Refugees and Children in Belize Signed by IOM, UNICEF and UNHCR
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency convened to sign the third joint work plan for migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and children in Belize.
The work plan outlines strategic actions to protect the local population of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through advocacy and legal reform, strengthening of data systems, and technical capacities to improve response and provision of services to support their integration into Belizean society. The plan also includes the development of minimum acceptable standards for service delivery in migrant and refugee hosting communities and protocols to reduce the risk of statelessness.
The joint work plan, signed on 27 November 2023 seeks to build the capacity of government institutions to enhance birth registration and reduce statelessness, child protection, and to strengthen integration support services for amnesty beneficiaries. The Agencies will also continue community engagement through Mobile Hubs where migrant, asylum seeker, and refugee families have access to public services such as health, education, and birth registration as well as information on family reunification, migration and asylum processes.
Through coordinated efforts, the three UN agencies, hope to strengthen the assistance to these persons, working together with the government and local agencies, enabling a comprehensive approach to refugee and migrant integration into Belizean society.
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23 November 2023
Medical Equipment Donation to Strengthen Nursing Education in Belize
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) along with funding support from the United States Government donated a variety of equipment to the Nursing Simulation Laboratory of the University of Belize.
From the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, a country’s health system must build the capacity of healthcare workers to respond to health emergencies efficiently and effectively. Thus, various countries have been investing in human resources for health, especially the nursing workforce. This included enhancing nursing academic programs in the Caribbean where nurses can develop the skills to prepare them for the workforce and any future pandemics.
“Nurses are the foundation and the backbone of the healthcare system, and they are most often the first person the patient encounters,” said Dr. Beth King, Medical Officer at the US Embassy. “I’m really proud to see so much focus on nursing education. If we can provide them with a good foundation and tools, they (nurses) will find a way to succeed and do the best they can for their patients, their families, and their communities.”
In November 2022, Belize was one of the countries selected to participate in a pilot project where PAHO’s collaborating Center at the University of North Carolina as well as the University of the West Indies campus in Barbados assessed the nursing education system in the country, including the School of Nursing at the University of Belize. The team reviewed the academic curricula and inspected classrooms, simulation labs, library, computer rooms, practicum sites and other areas to strengthen nursing education in the country. They also spoke to nursing educators and clinical nursing instructors, nursing and midwifery associations and regulatory bodies, health facility administrators and health professionals, and the MoHW, among others.
“PAHO is very pleased to have provided this technical cooperation to the School of Nursing, University of Belize to help to strengthen nursing education in the country in a sustainable way,” said Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO/WHO Representative in Belize. “Working with our collaborating centres on nursing also helped to effect positive changes in the nursing curriculum and to strengthen the practical component of the training. We wish to thank the government of the United States of America for their funding support in this effort.”
This donated equipment came as an additional component from that assessment that will allow nursing students to be placed in practical situations with equipment used in the health sector. The much-needed equipment included those that are essential for diagnosis and treatment such as electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, aneroid sphygmomanometer, fetal Stethoscope, nebulizer machine, vaginal speculums, instrument tray stainless steel with lid, overbed table, mobile-based exam lamp, as well as those for teaching, to include laptops, smart LED portable projectors, wall-mounted projectors and portable stereo speakers.
“There is no doubt the value that we should have on our nurses,” said Mr. Vincent Palacio. “We are building this particular program. In a few months, we won’t have a faculty of health sciences, we will have a College of Health Sciences where the nurses’ program will be much bigger. Again, thank you for the generous donation and we will make the most of it in our program.”
Additionally, with low retention and high turnover rates continuing to be a major cause of the shortages of nurses in the Caribbean region, Belize and the Ministry of Health and Wellness hope these pieces of equipment will enhance the University of Belize’s Nursing Program by building the capacity of the current nursing students and equip them with the necessary clinical skills and competencies to face the real-world challenges of the Belize health system.
“It is a privilege to stand here witnessing this very important donation and I want to thank our partners,” said Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of the MoHW in Belize. “The Ministry is constantly looking at how we can retain our nurses, but at the same time ensure they keep up to pace with the necessary skillset that are needed to ensure that we can continue to deliver quality service to our Belizean people and how best it is when we can have our very own University of Belize provide that necessary training and skillset.”
PAHO/WHO continues to collaborate with partners like the United States Government to support the preparedness and capacity of Belize’s health system.
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03 November 2023
Belize wins Caribbean Immunization Surveillance Award
At the end of the 37th Meeting of Caribbean Immunization managers held from 30-31 October, Belize emerged as the winner of the surveillance award presented by the Pan American Health Organization. Taking second and third place respectively were Guyana and Barbados, and the Henry Smith Award for most improved immunization coverage in 2022 was awarded to the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Dr Karen Broome, PAHO Immunization Advisor, reported that the Caribbean subregion has reversed the decline in vaccination coverage that occurred in 2020 and 2021 with improvements in the third doses of DPT3 (94%), Polio3 (92%) and MMR1 (91%) recorded in 2022. Nonetheless, there is still work to be done with MMR2 and HPV vaccines, which continue to struggle to meet their 95% and 80% targets respectively.
Meanwhile, Professor Peter Figueroa, Chair of the Caribbean Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (CiTAG), commended the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) managers for their dedication and commitment and congratulated all countries. He encouraged them to work together and support each other to sustain the gains and go forward stronger. “We need to ensure that we ‘catch up’ fully, including those children who we have missed so that they do not remain susceptible. And we note the progress. There has been definite progress - DPT 3, 94%, Polio 3, 92%, this is close to 95% and we want to go beyond 95%. MMR 1 91%, but MMR 2 83%, so the MMR 2 has a drop out and we must close that gap and ensure that we reach our 95% targets,” Prof. Figueroa said.
He cautioned that in the Caribbean, because of the past successes of the EPI program and the elimination of several childhood diseases, most adults under 40 years of age are not aware of the childhood diseases for which we give vaccines. “It is abstract. They don’t know what it is to see a child sick in a hospital or dying. This also includes all the health care professionals under the age of 40. They may never have seen a measles case, so we have to recognize that this makes it more challenging for us to get the message across how important vaccination is. So, we need to start with health workers who have concerns or who are being influenced by misinformation, identifying these concerns, and preparing a systematic program to educate health care workers first,” Professor Figueroa stressed.
Belize’s EPI Manager, Dr Liliane Middleton was excited to take the first place. She described it as a testament to the hard work of public and private health professionals and noted that Belize was focused on strengthening surveillance indicators, recording more samples, getting more people trained and retrained and going into the community to promote and provide vaccines.
“I am so excited. I am delighted. Emotional… because I did not expect for us to win that prize. I was speechless. It is a great feeling because we got the support from the staff and so winning this prize is a joyful feeling. I know the staff out there is happy, so it is an honour that we won this prize,” Dr Middleton expressed.
During the meeting the participants received updates on the vaccination program in the Americas and in the Caribbean, and the status of the Measles/Rubella and Polio Elimination initiatives, as well as a briefing from the PAHO Revolving Fund. They also heard country reports from Barbados, Belize, Grenada, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas. The meeting concluded with an ‘Effective Communication for Vaccine Uptake for Caribbean EPI Managers’ workshop which included communicating vaccination related risks, integrating gender and intersectionality into risk communication, and community engagement and navigating discourse among marginalised communities.
The Henry C Smith Immunisation Award was established in 2004 in honour of Mr Smith, the first PAHO-EPI Technical Officer for the Caribbean subregion. Mr Smith’s formal service in the sub-region spanned from 1977 to 1995. He attended this year’s meeting and is still active in providing guidance to Caribbean Immunisation Programmes today through his participation in the CITAG.
The Immunisation trophy was established in 2001 by EPI-CAREC (Caribbean Epidemiology Centre), on behalf of the Family and Community Health, Immunisation Unit at PAHO.
***END***
CONTACT: Lisa Bayley - bayleylis@paho.org, PAHO/WHO Office of the Subregional Program Coordination (Caribbean)
About the Pan American Health Organisation: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system.
The PAHO Subregional Program is responsible for providing subregional technical cooperation and to strengthen PAHO’s engagement with the Caribbean Subregional integration mechanisms, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its various bodies and organs; and to build synergistic partnerships with the West Indies (UWI), among others. PAHO’s subregional technical cooperation specifically focuses on public health issues which would benefit from economies of scale and for which agreement on proposed collective responses and actions would produce a far greater impact rather than individual country responses. The Subregional Program also plays a role in coordinating among the different PAHO country offices.
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15 November 2023
ILO and national partners continue progress under Resilient Belize project
Three major initiatives to strengthen Belize’s social protection system advanced in October 2023 with support from the ILO under the Joint Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Fund Programme: Building a resilient Belize through universal, adaptive, and sustainable social protection.
Ranging from capacity building in statistical systems and contributions at the national Social Protection Summit to the development of a cost assessment of unemployment insurance, the activities are part of an overall roadmap for achieving more inclusive social protection. They pave the way to greater access for social protection for all people in Belize, especially the poor and most vulnerable, so they can benefit from economic opportunities, decent jobs, and livelihood opportunities that will improve their standard of living.
A training session to enhance capabilities of focal points on social protection statistics so they can effectively pave the way to a national social protection strategy, was held from on 16 October 2023 in Belize City. The capacity building event was co-facilitated by the ILO and the Government to cover effective data collection, calculating Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators and other social protection indicators and mapping of the data ecosystem. Sessions were led by Darlene Haylock, Sustainable Development Officer at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Joana Borges, ILO Specialist for Social Protection and Occupational Safety and Health, and Pamela Bradley, ILO National Project Coordinator, with support from ILO Consultant Pilar Cariño.
Immediately after the training, Belize’s Social Protection Summit (17 to 20 October 2023) provided a platform to further develop the national social protection strategy. The ILO was represented during the four-day event by Joana Borges who provided technical insights and guidance to promote the advantages of investments in social security, including poverty reduction and minimized disruptions to livelihoods during crisis situations, and other areas of support. Key participants included decision makers and social partners, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Notably the Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People’s Affairs (MHD) and the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), and Social Security Board (SSB) served as key facilitators to encourage dialogue among all stakeholders.
“The ILO was honoured to play an important role at the Social Protection Summit. The gathering represented a significant milestone within the framework of the Joint SDG Fund Programme to make progress on the national strategy to achieve a comprehensive social protection floor in Belize, ensuring inclusivity across the spectrum,” said Joana Borges.
In another area of related support, the ILO will soon publish a cost assessment for an unemployment insurance (UI) scheme in Belize. The report provides two specific design options aligned with the two most important ILO Conventions for UI: the Social Security (Minimum Standards Convention, 1952 (No. 102) and Employment Promotion and Protection against Unemployment Convention, 1988 (No. 168). Authors also include a scenario in which a shock such as a natural catastrophe or economic downturn affects the country to emphasize why social protection mechanisms such as UI are essential for socio-economic stabilization.
"In addition to the other participating United Nations agencies, the ILO's support has been an important thread in the tapestry of work we have been doing through the Joint SDG Fund Programme in Belize. The ILO's commitment to decent work and social justice has stood as an important pillar to the larger outcomes of the project and we appreciate the guidance they have lent to the cause," said Ms. Gabrielle Hulse, Economist in the Belize Ministry of Economic Development.
As the Joint SDG Programme prepares to conclude the Resilient Belize project in the next few months, the ILO is committed to continuing to work with the Government of Belize and social partners to ensure the country’s social protection strategy provides a solid foundation for implementation that expands and improves access to social protection nationally. Dialogue around the unemployment insurance and other recommendations coming out of the actuarial valuation being carried by the SSB, in partnership with ILO, will also be very strategic in the near future.
More information about Building a resilient Belize through universal, adaptive and sustainable social protection is available on the ILO's website .
Ranging from capacity building in statistical systems and contributions at the national Social Protection Summit to the development of a cost assessment of unemployment insurance, the activities are part of an overall roadmap for achieving more inclusive social protection. They pave the way to greater access for social protection for all people in Belize, especially the poor and most vulnerable, so they can benefit from economic opportunities, decent jobs, and livelihood opportunities that will improve their standard of living.
A training session to enhance capabilities of focal points on social protection statistics so they can effectively pave the way to a national social protection strategy, was held from on 16 October 2023 in Belize City. The capacity building event was co-facilitated by the ILO and the Government to cover effective data collection, calculating Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators and other social protection indicators and mapping of the data ecosystem. Sessions were led by Darlene Haylock, Sustainable Development Officer at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Joana Borges, ILO Specialist for Social Protection and Occupational Safety and Health, and Pamela Bradley, ILO National Project Coordinator, with support from ILO Consultant Pilar Cariño.
Immediately after the training, Belize’s Social Protection Summit (17 to 20 October 2023) provided a platform to further develop the national social protection strategy. The ILO was represented during the four-day event by Joana Borges who provided technical insights and guidance to promote the advantages of investments in social security, including poverty reduction and minimized disruptions to livelihoods during crisis situations, and other areas of support. Key participants included decision makers and social partners, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Notably the Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People’s Affairs (MHD) and the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), and Social Security Board (SSB) served as key facilitators to encourage dialogue among all stakeholders.
“The ILO was honoured to play an important role at the Social Protection Summit. The gathering represented a significant milestone within the framework of the Joint SDG Fund Programme to make progress on the national strategy to achieve a comprehensive social protection floor in Belize, ensuring inclusivity across the spectrum,” said Joana Borges.
In another area of related support, the ILO will soon publish a cost assessment for an unemployment insurance (UI) scheme in Belize. The report provides two specific design options aligned with the two most important ILO Conventions for UI: the Social Security (Minimum Standards Convention, 1952 (No. 102) and Employment Promotion and Protection against Unemployment Convention, 1988 (No. 168). Authors also include a scenario in which a shock such as a natural catastrophe or economic downturn affects the country to emphasize why social protection mechanisms such as UI are essential for socio-economic stabilization.
"In addition to the other participating United Nations agencies, the ILO's support has been an important thread in the tapestry of work we have been doing through the Joint SDG Fund Programme in Belize. The ILO's commitment to decent work and social justice has stood as an important pillar to the larger outcomes of the project and we appreciate the guidance they have lent to the cause," said Ms. Gabrielle Hulse, Economist in the Belize Ministry of Economic Development.
As the Joint SDG Programme prepares to conclude the Resilient Belize project in the next few months, the ILO is committed to continuing to work with the Government of Belize and social partners to ensure the country’s social protection strategy provides a solid foundation for implementation that expands and improves access to social protection nationally. Dialogue around the unemployment insurance and other recommendations coming out of the actuarial valuation being carried by the SSB, in partnership with ILO, will also be very strategic in the near future.
More information about Building a resilient Belize through universal, adaptive and sustainable social protection is available on the ILO's website .
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29 August 2023
Asylum-seekers Aid Others in Applying for Belize’s Amnesty
The shuffling of chairs and papers is heard across the campus. The outdoor tent fills with hopeful faces waiting to be assisted in applying for the Government of Belize’s amnesty.
Luz*, 50, and her daughter Ada*, 18, are setting up tables, printers, and other necessary items that will be used throughout the day for an amnesty support program led by UNHCR and local partner, HUMANA People to People in southern Belize. About twenty percent of Belize’s asylum-seekers reside in the region.
At the end of 2021, the Government of Belize announced an amnesty program that included asylum-seekers, allowing them a secondary pathway to permanent residency.
“When I first heard about the amnesty, I couldn’t believe it. I ran to HUMANA’s resource center to see if it was true and immediately asked how I could help others learn about this unique opportunity,” shares Luz enthusiastically.
She and Ada came to Belize three years ago in search of their own new opportunity as well as a new home after suffering the tragic loss of a family member by gang violence in Honduras.
The day after Luz’s oldest son was murdered while he was on his way to work, men in ski masks started coming to her home at night. They would park their motorcycles in her yard and terrorize her by walking around the house, checking to find any unlocked entry points.
“I placed furniture in front of all the doors because I was so scared,” recalls Luz. “In Honduras, many 14-year-olds are already gang members. Everyone in the community knows that to become gang members, they had to kill someone.”
One night, as she peeked through her window, she heard a gang member on the phone talking about her and her daughter. At that moment, she realized they needed to flee.
Luz, her daughter Ada, and 4-year-old son Danny* left in a hurry, only carrying a piece of small luggage and her purse - the last sign of a normal life.
“I couldn’t even visit my parents one last time to say goodbye because it was too dangerous” she recalls with tears in her eyes. She hasn’t seen them since.
“I slept on cardboard with my children for a few nights when we first arrived in Belize, until HUMANA and UNHCR assisted me with basic supplies, including a mattress.”
After finding some stability in Belize, Luz and Ada joined Manos Unidas, a volunteer group led by HUMANA that helps asylum seekers and locals living in the community of Bella Vista.
“Just as they helped me when I first arrived, through me, they can continue to help others,” says Luz.
She and Ada attended an educative session on amnesty, led by UNHCR with informational support from the Government of Belize, which explained the process of applying and who were eligible. From that moment on, Luz and Ada reached out to others in their community to ensure they accessed this opportunity.
“I’ve helped many people understand their right to asylum and taken them to the Refugees Department to register,” explains Luz. “Now, I’m sharing information on how to apply for amnesty with them.”
UNHCR and local partners, including Help for Progress, Human Rights Commission of Belize, and HUMANA People to People began visiting communities across Belize to provide this assistance. Ada and Luz began volunteering.
Ada fills out the application forms in English, which she can now do after learning the language through HUMANA’s English as a Second Language (ESL) course.
“It feels very nice to be able to help others, especially because I remember coming to Belize and not understanding English” recalls Ada. “Now, I’ve volunteered in eight different communities by filling out applications for hundreds of asylum seekers. People even come to our home to ask for help with the application forms.”
Ada was also able to fill out her family’s application forms and submitted them at the start of the amnesty process.
Luz and Ada feel grateful for this opportunity, especially after the tragedy they endured in Honduras two years ago.
UNHCR has been able to assist 2,639 asylum seekers and other vulnerable individuals to apply for the Government of Belize’s amnesty program, including Luz and Ada.
Over 12,000 asylum seekers and migrants have applied for this amnesty, which will allow them the right to employment, education, and healthcare, while also allowing them to give back to Belize through paying taxes and social security. Children will be able to enroll in secondary and tertiary education and all will be able to share their talents with the nation.
“Even if I am granted permanent residence,” says Luz, “I will always be here to serve others,”
*These names have been changed to protect their identities.
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Press Release
29 August 2023
UN Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador Presents Credentials to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marking New Appointment
City of Belmopan, August 16, 2023 — During a diplomatic courtesy visit today, Raul Salazar, the recently designated United Nations Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador, presented his credentials to the Honourable Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade & Immigration. This officially marked his new appointment by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to continuous partnership with Belize. Chief Executive Officer of the ministry, H.E. Amalia Mai, and Director of International Affairs, Alfonso Gahona, were also present at the meeting, alongside UNICEF Representative Alison Parker and Economist Jose Castellanos from the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator.
In this cordial exchange, the Resident Coordinator took the opportunity to acknowledge the support extended by the Government of Belize towards the Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026. Among the topics discussed, special emphasis was placed on the advances in the Country Implementation Plan 2022-2023 through the great collaboration of the UN with the government of Belize in support of the economic and climate resilience, poverty reduction and equity and justice and rule of law, in a context where nations continued facing vulnerabilities due to the climate emergency, the impact of the war in Ukraine and lack of access to financing for development.
While affirming Belize's commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), as outlined in the Plan Belize Medium-Term Development Strategy 2022-2026, the Minister Courtenay reiterated his pledge to establish an Integrated National Financing Framework to optimize the efficiency of financial resources allocated for advancing the SDGs.
Other key priorities that the Government of Belize highlighted is the continued policy and technical collaboration with the UN in areas such as strengthening capacities for immigration management to ensure orderly, safe, and regular mobility.
As part of his inaugural mission to Belize, the Resident Coordinator also paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Johnny Briceño. Their discussion focused around potential avenues through which the United Nations can enhance its support in helping Belize to realize the objectives of the Medium-Term Development Strategy.
With the 2023 SDG Summit in September drawing closer, the Resident Coordinator expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for Belize's proactive preparations and emphasized the significance of the country's renewed commitment to achieving these global goals.
Before concluding his visit, the Resident Coordinator is also scheduled to extend diplomatic courtesies to Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, as well as to Carlos Fuller, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations in New York.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Denise Vanzie
Communication and Data Officer
Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator
Email: denise.vanzie@un.org
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Press Release
28 June 2023
FAO and SICA sign an unprecedented agreement to promote the Dry Corridor in Central America
Placencia, Belize, June 27, 2023 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Central American Integration System (SICA) signed an unprecedented Framework Cooperation Agreement whose main objective is to jointly support the transformation of agrifood systems in the countries of the dry corridor.
This agreement enhances collaboration and joint efforts between FAO and SICA to promote economic, social, environmental, and cultural determinants of food and nutritional security in SICA member countries. It also seeks to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience on issues such as resilient agriculture, climate change, and sustainable management of natural resources (including water, land, forests, and biodiversity).
In this context, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin, spoke at the LVII Ordinary Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Central American Integration System, held in Placencia, Belize.
During his speech, Lubetkin stressed the importance of organizations such as FAO being able to work in coordination with member states and thus work together to address the impact that hunger, malnutrition, and poverty have caused in nations.
In addition, the FAO Assistant Director-General stressed that "food security and nutrition have been consolidated as central axes in the development agendas of all regions of the world with notable actions that demand us to promote greater joint cooperation, through an open and permanent dialogue."
In this line, Lubetkin highlighted the agreement reached between FAO and SICA, ensuring that "this agreement adds cooperation efforts to expand investments and sustainable solutions in the large territory of the Dry Corridor, supporting countries in the transformation of agriculture, to make it more resilient and adapted to climate change and in turn, generating food and more employment opportunities and income, based on sustainable production systems".
FAO and various SICA bodies work in a coordinated manner to ensure an agricultural sector that not only meets food production needs but also contributes to restoring ecosystem integrity. Together, they develop policies prioritizing forest integrity and implementing solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, thus promoting sustainable economic development while ensuring the conservation of carbon stocks and biodiversity. These joint efforts are vital steps to reduce climate vulnerability in the SICA region.
The FAO-SICA agreement serves as a model for regional cooperation and demonstrates the collective strength and commitment of the participating organizations to address the complex challenges facing the agricultural sector and the environment in the SICA region.
Post-crisis scenario
Latin America and the Caribbean have been impacted by a series of successive crises that have led to an increase in hunger and malnutrition in all its forms. Income inequality in the region, climate change, and a generalized economic crisis have been major factors in this situation.
Food insecurity in the region increased by nearly 100 million people, and the number of hungry people rose from 43.3 million to 56.5 million between 2019 and 2021.
In SICA member countries, a growth from 7.2 to 7.5 million people was evidenced, values recorded 20 years ago, also an impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ingrid Saravia, FAOSLM communicator
ingrid.saraviavillacorta@fao.org +507 65810769
Dainalyn Swaby, National Communications Consultant
dainalyn.swaby@fao.org + 876 5799497
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Press Release
04 May 2023
Official Inauguration of UN House in Belmopan, Belize
This new UN House is located on the 2nd floor of the David L. Mckoy Business Centre, Bliss Parade, Belmopan. The opening was celebrated by the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño; and included the UN Resident Coordinator to Belize and El Salvador, RC Birgit Gerstenberg; UNDP Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Linda Maguire; and UNDP’s Resident Representative for Jamaica, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos, Ms Denise Antonio. Also in attendance was the Hon. Chief Justice, Madam Louise Blenman, members of Cabinet and members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other government, UN and other partners.
In her opening remarks, RC Gerstenberg welcomed guests on behalf of the UN Family noting this was consistent with the global commitment to a more coherent and efficient UN, specifically she noted: “In his December 2017 report, the UN Secretary General António Guterres presented his vision and proposals to reposition the UN development system to better respond to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He noted that the code for achieving the United Nations objectives, it needs to be nimble, efficient, and effective. It must focus more on delivery and less on process, more on people, and less on bureaucracy.”
Following up with RC Gerstenberg’s remarks, UNDP’s Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Linda Maguire also highlighted what this inauguration means for UN Cooperation, “The diverse and intuitive interactions among and between agencies provide a platform for enhanced cooperation, problem-solving, sharing of ideas, and piloting of new ways of doing things. The effective cooperation and collaboration among UN agencies, more or less in one space, and with key national counterparts encourage collaborative innovation. Hence, if maximised, the UN Common Premise can be an Innovation Hub for Belize, a laboratory for new and disruptive ways of addressing multi- dimensional development problems.”
UNDP Resident Representative, Denise Antonio noted that the move to the new Common Premises in September 2022 occurred during the 40th anniversary of partnership between UNDP and the Government of Belize and further noted “The occasion that we are marking of course is about moving into a new and “fit for purpose” space that ultimately will ensure that we, the United Nations Agencies Funds and Programs, deliver on our mandate in Belize.”
“We believe that the UN played a great role in the achievement of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. It was in the hands of the United Nations, that we unlike minded nations, who believed in the right to self determination, stood our ground, to achieve our political independence and to ensure Belize's territorial integrity.” Noted Prime Minister of Belize, Honourable John Briceño. “The UN remains an indispensable partner in the international landscape, as it seeks to accomplish its goal to maintaining international peace and security, promote the well being of the world's peoples and foster international cooperation. As outlined in the coverage of the country implementation plan, UN has always been deemed an ambitious agenda. With those ambitions come expected raised expectations. All government entities expect you to work smart, effectively and collaboratively for the betterment of all beneficiaries. So I wish you success. Know that we appreciate what you all do for all. We look forward to greater cooperation and collaboration as we continue this meaningful partnership.”
In the UN House are the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP UNDP). IOM, UNICEF, UNFPA and PAHO/WHO continue to be housed in Belize City with UNHCR being located on 1 Marigold Street, Belmopan.
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Press Release
19 April 2022
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Joint Programme Launched to Support Social Protection and Local Economic Development in Belize
This launch signified a major achievement for the Government of Belize as the programme factors in and prioritizes key outcomes outlined in Plan Belize and the Government’s Medium-Term Development Strategy Priority Areas of Poverty reduction and Economic growth. The programme, which will run from 2022-2023, will also accelerate the government’s commitments to the SDGs, through the enhancement of a social protection system and an enabling environment for local economic development.
In her keynote remarks, Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, emphasized the need to address the most vulnerable through coordinated partnerships to reduce poverty. She explained, “the SDG Joint Programme builds on the consensus that social protection is a human right; and supports poverty reduction and economic growth as articulated in our Medium-term Development Strategy.” She elaborated on the need and relevance of a Social Protection Floor that establishes a basic set of rights for all Belizeans and lauded the Joint Programme as providing inclusive socioeconomic development as a key component.
Belize has a current debt/GDP of approximately 123% in which the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant social, economic, and political impacts. Additionally, poverty was already high, at 41% in 2009, and is estimated at 52% prior to COVID-19, in 2018, with children being the most affected. Birgit Gerstenberg, the UN Resident Coordinator in Belize, expressed the UN system’s appreciation for the government's commitment as the Joint Programme will “enable economic opportunities, decent jobs, and livelihood opportunities that will sequentially improve the standard of living for the most vulnerable.”
Additionally, Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Economic Development (MED), spoke of the SDG Joint Programme as a complement to the government’s work to redistribute wealth and increase the social protection floor to ensure we leave no one behind. He also highlighted the programme support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a pivotal role in poverty reduction and increasing prosperity and equity for all Belizeans.
The launch also provided a platform for discussion to identify immediate next steps and key milestones towards implementation of the programme.
END
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Daniels, sdaniels@unicef.org | Communications Officer, UNICEF
Aurelio Sho, pdcc.ppu@humandev.gov.bz | Programme and Communications Officer, Ministry of Human Development Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs
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Press Release
19 January 2022
PAHO/WHO Belize donate Smoking and COVID-19 posters to the National Drug Abuse and Control Council (NDACC) and Protection of Human Rights of Older Persons booklets to the National Council on Ageing (NCA)
298 booklets promoting the protection of Human Rights of Older Persons were also donated to the National Council on Ageing. These booklets will be used to sensitize the management of residential homes and caregivers within public and private residential homes. Older persons are often vulnerable to abuse and thus it is necessary that persons with the responsibility to ensure the wellness of older persons be knowledgeable with protecting the human rights of older persons.
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