Belize Praised for Progress Against Child Labour, but Concerns Remain in Hazardous Work

The US Department of Labour has recognized Belize as making moderate advancements in eliminating the worst forms of child labour.  The 2023 report noted that the progress made include the country’s membership in the Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labor as the 31st member state.  Additionally, Belize was recognized for extending free high school education for one thousand six hundred students from economically vulnerable communities located in the poorest and the most gang and crime-affected areas. The report registers that almost eight thousand adults and children from underserved communities in acquiring their birth certificates, which are necessary for accessing education and social services. Belize’s government was also commended for its outreach campaign in raising awareness and the sensitivity to child labour, and its collaboration with various associations from the sugar and citrus industries to eliminate child labour.  With all these progresses noted, however, Belize still falls short in meeting international standards when it comes to putting children, fourteen years and older, in engaging in hazardous working conditions.  Additionally, the report states that the country has more to do in adequately prohibiting the use of children in illicit activities, including the production and trafficking of drugs.  According to the data gathered by the US Department of Labour, in 2023, eight hundred and forty five worksites were inspected but no violations were found.  There were also eleven investigations launched into child labour crimes but no one was prosecuted.