Belize's United Nations Membership: Understanding Belize's Role In The Un

Belize is a Central American country on the Caribbean Sea. It is a member of the United Nations and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) works to support the Government of Belize. The United Nations played a pivotal role in securing Belize's right to self-determination and as the country commemorates its independence, it expresses its appreciation and continued support for the work of the Organization. The UNCT is committed to supporting Belize to achieve its national development priorities and international development commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The United Nations' role in Belize's independence

Belize is a member of the United Nations and was admitted as the 136th member state in 1981. The United Nations played a pivotal role in securing Belize's independence and right to self-determination.

Belize's journey to independence was a long and arduous one, marked by struggles, negotiations, and determination. The country's colonial history under British rule shaped its identity and quest for independence. The road to sovereignty began in the mid-20th century when Belizeans started demanding self-determination. The emergence of nationalist movements, such as the People's United Party (PUP) led by George Price, played a crucial role in this process.

However, Belize faced a significant obstacle in its path to independence due to a territorial dispute with neighbouring Guatemala. Guatemala claimed a significant portion of Belizean territory and refused to recognise Belize as an independent nation, considering it a "territory". This dispute created tension and stalled progress toward full sovereignty.

International mediation efforts, including those by the United Kingdom and the United Nations, sought to resolve the issue peacefully. In 1975, the United Nations passed its first resolution on Belize, recognising the country as an independent nation with its territorial integrity intact. This resolution was a major boost for Belize's independence aspirations, receiving 110 votes in favour, 9 against, and 16 abstentions. Despite this, none of the mainland Spanish-speaking Latin American countries voted for Belize, and the United States abstained, continuing to support Guatemala.

Belize embarked on an "internationalisation effort", led by young Belize attorneys Said Musa and Assad Shoman, to gain international support for its claim to full independence. This campaign proved successful, with countries like Panama, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Mexico lending their support. By November 1980, international support for Belize's independence was virtually unanimous. A UN resolution called for Belize's independence without conditions and with security by the end of 1981.

On September 21, 1981, Belize finally achieved its long-awaited independence, becoming a fully sovereign nation. The United Kingdom officially handed over control, and Belize celebrated its independence with joy and enthusiasm. The peaceful transition to independence was a testament to the perseverance and diplomacy of Belizean leaders and the international community, including the United Nations.

Belize's independence marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new chapter in the country's history. Since then, Belize has focused on building its identity, promoting its diverse culture, and strengthening its democratic institutions. The United Nations' role in securing Belize's independence was instrumental, and the country continues to collaborate with the UN to advance sustainable development goals and improve the lives of its citizens.

The United Nations' work in Belize

The United Nations is actively working to support Belize in achieving its national development priorities and international development commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) works closely with the Belizean government, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to strengthen national capacities for sustainable and inclusive human development.

The United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (UN MSDF) outlines how the UN will work with 18 English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries, including Belize, to achieve development results from 2017-2021. The framework aims to ensure that no country is left behind in national development efforts and promotes a coherent and coordinated response to the similar development challenges faced by Caribbean countries.

The UN's work in Belize can be categorized into four key areas:

An Inclusive, Equitable and Prosperous Caribbean

The UN supports Belize in increasing access to quality education, promoting competitive and sustainable industrialization activities, and enhancing social protection through the creation of decent work opportunities, entrepreneurship, and enhanced social protection programs.

A Healthy Caribbean

The UN assists Belize in strengthening its healthcare system by improving access to equitable and quality health services and nutrition. In 2017, the UN worked with the Ministry of Health and other national partners to improve access to healthcare.

A Safe, Cohesive, and Just Caribbean

The UN helps Belize in reforming and enhancing security and justice institutions, strengthening legal and policy frameworks to promote transparency and prevent corruption, and fostering greater social cohesion.

A Sustainable and Resilient Caribbean

The UN collaborates with Belize to strengthen institutional and community resilience, protect and sustainably manage natural resources and ecosystems, and promote renewable energy systems and inclusive societies.

In addition to these four key areas, the UN has also supported Belize in other areas such as addressing gender-based violence, reducing adolescent pregnancy, and providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The UN has also worked with Belize to advance statistical capacity and data management systems, which are crucial for evidence-based policymaking and responsive plans.

The United Nations' support for Belize's human rights

Belize is a member of the United Nations and is covered by a National Human Rights Advisor deployed to the United Nations Country Team (UNCT). This advisor provides human rights expertise to national authorities, civil society, and UN partners. The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process that involves a review of the human rights records of all UN Member States. Belize's human rights record was reviewed by the UPR in 2024.

The United Nations supports Belize in its commitment to eliminating all forms of violence, especially against women and girls. The UN is also committed to supporting the Belizean government and civil society in taking concrete actions to realize the rights of all women and children, including preventive support and attention to mental health aspects and consequences for those affected by violence.

The UN also works with the Belizean government to develop programmes that help families recover from shocks of poverty, violence, and vulnerability. Additionally, the UN supports Belize in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the environment, and ensure peace and prosperity for all Belizeans.

Furthermore, the UN has collaborated with academia in Belize to advance the SDGs, signing a joint Declaration of Intent with four universities in the country. This partnership seeks to catalyze impactful initiatives and solutions that contribute to the goals set out in the Plan Belize Medium-term Development Strategy (MTDS) and the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF).

The UN has also supported Belize in addressing specific issues such as coastal erosion, refugee integration, and adolescent pregnancy. For example, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) partnered with the Monkey River Watershed Association to install sand-filled "geotubes" to protect the village of Monkey River from coastal erosion. The UN also supported the publication of a cookbook, "From Our Table to Yours: Fusion Cuisine," which features recipes from refugees and displaced people in Belize, as a tool for integration and a means to preserve their culinary traditions. Additionally, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) conducted a regional project, "Leave No One Behind: Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy," which aimed to address adolescent pregnancy through the education and empowerment of young people in Belize.

In summary, the United Nations provides significant support for Belize's human rights through its collaboration with the Belizean government, civil society, and academia. The UN's efforts are focused on advancing the SDGs, eliminating violence, and addressing specific social issues to promote human rights and improve the lives of Belizeans.

The United Nations' work with Belize's young people

Belize is a full participating member of the United Nations and the UN is committed to supporting Belize in achieving its national development priorities and international development commitments. The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) works to support the Belizean government, civil society, and non-governmental and private sector organisations in strengthening national capacities to achieve sustainable and inclusive human development. The UNCT also seeks to build upon its position as a key development partner by creating and reinforcing partnerships and supporting platforms for meaningful dialogue.

The United Nations has commemorated the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples in Belize, celebrating the contributions of young Belizeans from indigenous communities who serve as 'Agents of Change for Self-determination'. One such individual is Florentino Chiac Jr., a Science Manager at Ya’axché Conservation Trust, who safeguards wildlife and ecosystems in protected areas and farmlands within the Maya Golden Landscape in Southern Belize. Chiac Jr. has pioneered an innovative approach to wildlife camera trapping, transforming it into a citizen science initiative for monitoring biodiversity in the indigenous farming landscape of the Toledo District. By engaging 27 farmers as custodians of the land and lens, he has successfully bridged the gap in communicating biodiversity information to farming families, enriching their scientific knowledge and leading to behavioural changes.

In addition, the United Nations has collaborated with academia in Belize to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations Belize Country Team and Higher Education Academia have forged a partnership to address pressing development challenges through evidence-based policies, data, research and innovation. The partnership includes the University of Belize, Galen University, the University of the West Indies Global Campus Belize, and St. John’s College University.

The United Nations has also supported Belize in addressing adolescent pregnancy through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) regional project, "Leave No One Behind: Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy". The project aims to address adolescent pregnancy through the education and empowerment of young people. Furthermore, the United Nations has collaborated with the Government of Belize and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to host a three-day event on "Partnering for the Social Protection of All in Belize", as part of the implementation of the SDGs Joint Programme. The event brought together national practitioners and policymakers of the social protection system, as well as international experts, to discuss key pillars of the social protection system for Belize, including social budgeting, fiscal space, and coordination mechanisms.

The United Nations has also been involved in initiatives to protect Belize's cultural sector following the impact of Hurricane Lisa in 2022. UNESCO supported a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of the Culture Sector in Belize, which was led by the Government of Belize. The PDNA examined research institutions, built heritage, archaeological sites, moveable heritage, collections, depositories, living heritage, and culture and creative industries. The consolidated PDNA report will contribute to a comprehensive recovery framework for Belize.

The United Nations' climate action in Belize

Belize is a member of the United Nations and the organization is actively working with the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations' climate action in Belize involves several initiatives and partnerships with local communities, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to address climate change and environmental sustainability. Here are some key areas of the United Nations' climate action in Belize:

Mitigating Coastal Erosion:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnered with the Monkey River Watershed Association, a community-based organization, to combat coastal erosion in the village of Monkey River. They installed 160 feet of sand-filled "geotubes" to create physical barriers against wave energy and slow down shoreline disintegration. This initiative is part of the UNDP's commitment to climate justice and supporting communities affected by climate change.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Education:

The United Nations is actively involved in promoting environmental sustainability and education in Belize. For example, 20 students participated in the ILO My Green Enterprise course, which equips young people with skills to plan and start their own green businesses. The course highlights the role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in advancing environmental sustainability and promoting formal employment.

Supporting Communities Affected by Natural Disasters:

The United Nations provided support to Belize after Hurricane Lisa hit the country in 2022. UNESCO conducted a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of the culture sector, which was impacted by the hurricane. The PDNA aims to consolidate information about the physical, economic, and human impacts of the disaster to inform recovery efforts and prioritize needs.

Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy:

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) implemented a regional project called "Leave No One Behind: Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy." This project focuses on educating and empowering young people to address adolescent pregnancy. The training program took place in Dangriga and equipped participants with knowledge and skills to replicate the training within their communities.

Strengthening Data and Statistical Management:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed an agreement to strengthen Belize's data and statistical management capabilities. This project aims to improve the country's ability to provide relevant, accurate, and timely data to support evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.

Protecting World Heritage Sites:

Belize is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The United Nations supports the preservation of this site, which is vital to the country's tourism and fishing industries.

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