Belize launches the Blue Teddy Bear campaign

Belize City, Belize — The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC), in partnership with UNICEF Belize and the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, officially launched the Blue Teddy Bear Campaign today at The HUB in Belize City. The campaign aims to “Break the Silence” on violence and sexual abuse against children by equipping communities, schools, families, and private sector partners to take informed, meaningful action to protect Belize’s children.

The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign responds to a growing concern: violence and sexual abuse against children have become far too common in Belize. While many public awareness efforts have taken place over the years, this campaign intentionally moves beyond awareness to action. The campaign calls for a national shift urging individuals and institutions to become better informed, better equipped, and more proactive in recognizing, preventing, and reporting child abuse. It seeks to mobilize community-based organizations (CBOs), schools, parents, private sector groups, and children themselves as champions for child protection.

At the center of the initiative is the Blue Teddy Bear with a band-aid which serves as a symbol of comfort, healing, and protection for children. The campaign will be implemented in Southside Belize City, one of the areas most affected by vulnerability, exposure to violence, and limited access to services. The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign is expected to engage over 800 people across community groups, companies, schools, and families. Key anticipated results include:

• Increased public reporting of suspected child abuse
• Strengthened skills to identify violations
• Greater awareness of referral pathways and support services
• Improved community advocacy for children
• Strengthened national child protection systems

The launch brought together government officials, civil society representatives, educators, students, and child advocates in a unified call to strengthen Belize’s response to violence against children.

As the National Commission for Families and Children, we are proud to lead this initiative in close collaboration with UNICEF and the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, whose leadership continues to shape and strengthen the country’s child protection framework. This campaign goes beyond awareness. We call for shared responsibility in safeguarding children by breaking the silence, challenging harmful norms, and promoting early reporting and intervention.

Acting Representative for UNICEF Belize, Sajid Ali, lauded the campaign as a testament to partnerships for the cause of children. “The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign reflects what is possible when government, communities, and partners come together with one shared purpose: protecting Belize’s children, said Ali. UNICEF is proud to work alongside NCFC and the Ministry of Human Development to build safer communities and to empower every child, parent, and teacher with the knowledge and support they need. Together, we can turn collective responsibility into collective action.”

NCFC, MHDGFSGA and UNICEF Belize are calling on all Belizeans to join the movement and help create a safer Belize for every child. By becoming a Blue Teddy Bear Champion, individuals and institutions can play a vital role in preventing violence, supporting survivors, and ensuring that every child grows up in safety, dignity, and love.