Over 4,000 Refugees in Belize: UNHCR Faces Funding Gap as Government Extends Amnesty Process

There are over four thousand refugees and asylum seekers in Belize, according to the latest information released from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The refugee arm of the United Nations issued a report for September to October 2023, which shows there were over a hundred fifteen disbursements of humanitarian assistance to asylum seekers. An additional fifty-nine refugees and asylum seekers received livelihood support to meet their basic needs. The UNHCR has been conducting various activities to assist asylum seekers as well as holding capacity-building training for those in organizations that provide services to these groups. And while these activities are ongoing, the UNHCR says that is currently facing a funding gap of around sixty-two percent. Meanwhile, the Government of Belize has extended Amnesty’s vetting process for applicants until 31 March 2024. The UNHCR says that the extended program will quote “provide successful candidates with the opportunity to receive permanent residence.”  Applicants will be able to use claim receipts as legal documents, providing them with the right to remain and work in Belize until a final decision is made on their applications.