BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Belize has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s asylum system by implementing innovative digital solutions and improving data management and collection.
It will also strengthen the legal framework and reinforce protection safeguards in line with international standards.
The initiative is a collaboration involving the Ministry of Immigration and Refugees, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the government of Japan, which is contributing US$667,000 to ensure its successful implementation.
The key component of the project is the development and rollout of a secure digital system to manage asylum cases. The system will modernize registration and case processing, improve the accuracy and reliability of data, and strengthen preparedness for increased asylum needs, while ensuring confidentiality and data protection.
Immigration, Governance and Labour Minister Kareem Musa said Belize continues to strengthen its national asylum system, which operates with fairness, efficiency, and respect for human dignity.
“This partnership with the government of Japan and UNHCR supports the modernization of our institutional capacity through secure digital case management, stronger data systems, and continued development of our legal framework.
“These improvements enhance the ability of the Refugees Department to process applications responsibly while protecting confidential information and maintaining clear procedures.”
Musa said Belize values its longstanding partnership with UNHCR, which has supported the country since the 1980s and continues to provide valuable technical guidance as it strengthens the national protection systems.
Musa said that through collaboration with international partners, Belize continues to build institutions that uphold international standards and serve both people seeking protection and the communities that welcome them.
“With the support of the government of Japan, UNHCR is supporting the government of Belize to strengthen its asylum system through innovative, sustainable approaches, firmly rooted in protection principles,” said Jose Egas, the representative of the UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Panama.
“By investing in legal frameworks, data-driven approaches, and digital solutions, this initiative helps ensure that people in need of international protection receive timely, fair, and safe access to asylum.”
Japan’s ambassador to Belize, Ryosuke Yamakura, said that by supporting the government of Belize in strengthening national systems and fair, efficient asylum procedures, Japan and UNHCR are ensuring that people in need of international protection “can access their rights safely and with dignity, allowing refugees and asylum-seekers to contribute their skills, labour, entrepreneurship, and cultural diversity, benefiting host communities across Belize”.
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