BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC -Belize says its decision to attend the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva earlier this month was to signal the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country’s commitment to advancing international labor standards and fostering social justice.
The ILC, the highest decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), convened delegates from all 187 member states to deliberate and adopt new conventions, recommendations, and resolutions that aim to shape the future of work.
Labour Minister Florencio Marin Jr, addressing the ILC conference
Labour Minister Florencio Marin Jr., who led the Belize delegation, said his country supports the creation of inclusive global labor standards that ensure all workers are protected.
“Justice must be more than an aspiration. It must be lived, legislated, and localized,” he said, noting that as global labor standards evolve, Belize has positioned itself not just as a participant “but as an advocate for dignified, safe, and inclusive employment for all.”
He stated that Belmopan is appreciative of the ILO, social partners, and national stakeholders for their continued collaboration and support and looks forward to implementing the knowledge gained and contributing actively to future ILO engagements, including the 114th ILC in 2026.
A government statement said that during the conference in Geneva, Belize made substantive contributions to global discussions on labor standards.
It said Belize supported the first-stage approval of a draft Convention and Recommendation on Platform Work, advocating for fair classification, algorithmic transparency, and access to social protection for gig workers.
The country also supported the finalized Convention and Recommendation on Biological Hazards in the Workplace, aimed at protecting workers from pandemics, zoonotic threats, and other health risks in the workplace.
“In a key technical advancement, Belize supported the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) amendments, which enhances protections for seafarers, including access to shore leave, safe working conditions, and measures against harassment. In addition, Belize reaffirmed its commitment to ILO Recommendation No. 204, which encourages formalizing informal work sectors that are a significant part of Belize’s economy,” the statement said.
It said that the country cast its vote in favor of the ILO’s Programme and Budget for 2026–27, guaranteeing technical assistance for its national Decent Work Country Programme. “Furthermore, Belize aligned with international consensus, voting to grant Palestine non-member observer status in the ILO,” the statement added.
and then  in Geneva earlier this month was to signal the Caribbean Community){kind=link}