Belize Concludes Presidency of Regional Migration Conference

This week, Belize wrapped up its first term as President Pro Tempore of the Regional Conference on Migration (RCM). The one-year presidency marked a significant milestone in the country’s diplomatic engagement on migration issues between the ten other member states and five observer nations. Over the past year, Belize’s Ministry of Immigration led the RCM and worked to tackle complex migration issues such as border security, migrant rights, and the development of comprehensive migration policies. This week, member states gathered in Belize to see the handing over of the President Pro Tempore to Costa Rica and met on key issues. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Immigration Tanya Neal Santos spoke on the significance of the meeting and listed several agreements that were met. 

Tanya Santos Neal, CEO, Ministry of Immigration: “One, we adopted the guide to effective practices for protecting people moving across borders in the context of disasters and climate change, which offers practical solutions for managing displacement and vulnerability in the face of environmental crisis. Two, critical conversations were held on topics such as the opportunity of labor migration for development, regularization, the need for both long-term and short-term protection, adaptability in the face of ever-changing migration patterns, and many more. We all have solutions, and the RCM offers the platform to collectively discuss and exchange information which may be useful in our day-to-day processes. These outcomes ensure that migration governance in our region remains adaptive and impactful. I would like to congratulate Costa Rica for now officially assuming the PPT. Your stewardship will undoubtedly build on the momentum we have achieved, ensuring the RCM continues to thrive as a regional and global leader in migration governance. Belize is honored to entrust this forum to your very capable hands and stands ready to support your efforts in advancing the mission of RCM. To our civil society partners and observer organizations, your counsel and contributions have enriched our discussions, reminding us of the importance of whole of society approaches. Your expertise ensured that our frameworks are informed by diverse perspectives and grounded, again, in practical realities.”

Officer in Charge of Immigration Services Shanika Morales says that Belize gained valuable insights into the importance of regional collaboration and partnership during its one-year presidency. 

Shanika Norales, Officer in Charge of Immigration Services: “During our tenure, we completed at least 90% of the activities that were proposed at the 28th Vice Ministerial meeting. There were only about two activities that we could not because we wanted to ensure that we include more technical approach to those meetings or finance was not there for them. Our mechanism, our leadership was under the theme “A better world with respect for human rights and dignity.” During our tenure we realized as a department, most significantly as a country, that our department is in need of a policy unit so that they can guide us and provide the technical assistance that we need to ensure that we provide the information that is pertinent and our participation at these meetings are relevant and we underscore what the platform is all about. During this leadership Belize was a testimony to see what the collaboration that exists in these platforms. Because as I mentioned, we were stretched thin when it comes to the technical as well as the financial support that we need to carry out all these activities that were approved. We had countries such as El Salvador, Panama, Mexico, and Guatemala who assisted us with ensuring that we were hosts for some of these initiatives in their country, which made it a success because they provided the knowledge that they had to ensure that whatever platform they utilize would be able to allow us to accomplish this mission. Also, it highlights the importance of the international organization, how valuable it is. And most importantly, what I can say with our leadership, it allows us to take migration as a holistic approach.”

The conference was held in Belize City.