Removing the borders to protection
Ensuring care for migrant children in Belize
Two minors sit quietly on a bus, hoping to pass unnoticed. At a routine checkpoint, a police patrol boards and begins inspections. Without proper documentation, the children are identified and taken into custody before being handed over to the Ministry of Human Development for care and processing. Their story is not unique. Every day, undocumented children pass through Belize, and when they are encountered, it is essential that they are treated with dignity, protected from harm, and supported every step of the way.
Across the world, children on the move face heightened risks, often traveling long distances separated from caregivers, exposed to uncertainty, and in need of protection, care, and support. In Belize, UNICEF is working closely with the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs to ensure that every child, regardless of where they come from, is protected, treated with dignity, and given the care they deserve.
Creating safe and dignified spaces for children
UNICEF’s work in Belize is grounded in the principle that all children have rights, no matter their migration status. This includes the right to protection, to family life, to dignity, and to access essential services.
For unaccompanied and separated migrant children, these rights are especially critical. Without the presence of a parent or caregiver, children may face increased vulnerability during migration processes. UNICEF supports the Government of Belize to strengthen systems that ensure children are treated first and foremost as children, in need of protection, not detention.
With generous support from the U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM), UNICEF has partnered with the Ministry of Human Development to retrofit a dedicated shelter space designed to provide a safe haven for unaccompanied migrant children as they are processed and prepared for reunification or return to their home countries.
This child-friendly space was carefully designed to meet the needs of children and families during what can be a stressful and uncertain time. The shelter includes:
- safe sleeping areas that ensure comfort and security
- dedicated WASH facilities (water, sanitation, and hygiene) to promote health and well-being
- functional kitchen space, allowing for the preparation of meals in a safe environment
- The shelter prioritizes family unity and non-separation, including for children travelling with caregivers in irregular migration situations
- Special attention is given to breastfeeding infants and young children, ensuring mothers/caregivers are supported to continue safe and dignified breastfeeding practices
These features contribute to an environment that promotes privacy, dignity, and well-being, ensuring that children are cared for in a respectful and supportive setting. Importantly, the space also allows families to stay together wherever possible, helping to preserve family unity and reduce further trauma during the migration process.
Strengthening systems to protect children
Beyond infrastructure, UNICEF is supporting the development of standard operating procedures, case management systems, and inter-agency coordination to ensure that migrant children receive appropriate care, protection, and follow-up. This includes working with national partners to:
- Strengthen identification and referral mechanisms for vulnerable children
- Ensure access to psychosocial support and basic services
- Promote safe, orderly, and child-sensitive repatriation processes
- Build capacity among frontline workers to respond to the needs of children on the move
These efforts contribute to a more integrated and child-centred protection system, ensuring that no child is left behind. UNICEF Belize remains committed to advancing the rights of all children, including those on the move. By working with government and partners, and with support from donors such as BPRM, UNICEF is helping to create systems and spaces that protect children, uphold their dignity, and support their well-being at every stage of their journey.
Every child, everywhere, deserves to be safe, cared for, and given the opportunity to thrive.
