BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC -A Brazilian delegation has arrived here on an exchange visit to enhance Belize’s eradication of child labor through detailed technical workshops and advocacy meetings involving local officials, tripartite constituents, and civil society stakeholders.
The Brazilian delegation includes representatives from the Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency. The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Regional Initiative Technical Secretariat are facilitating the visit.
“This significant collaboration aims to enhance Belize’s efforts in eradicating child labor through detailed technical workshops and advocacy meetings involving local officials, tripartite constituents, and civil society stakeholders,” the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government (MRTCDLG) said in a statement indicating that the Brazilians will remain here until June 28.
It said that discussions so far have focused on refining strategic planning and adopting differentiated inspection approaches to bolster the effectiveness of labor inspections, including those targeting child labor.
“This initiative aims to ensure comprehensive and efficient oversight across various contexts within Belize. Emphasis is being placed on the importance of advanced digital solutions for collecting and analyzing child labor and inspection information. This will support Belize in developing robust, evidence-based programs and improving the enforcement of child labor laws.
“The mission highlights the need for a cohesive response to child labor to improve integration with social protection and social security programs. This approach seeks to enhance the support and economic resilience of children and their families, thereby preventing engagement in child labor. “
Belize, the most recent signatory to the Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour in 2023, has proactively addressed child labor issues.
It said with the formal approval of the updated National Child Labour Policy and Strategy 2022-2025, the government has set a national goal aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to significantly reduce the incidence of child labor and eliminate its worst forms by 2025.
“This knowledge exchange mission provides a vital opportunity for both Belize and Brazil to share good practices and lessons learned, which can be tailored to the specific needs of each country. This collaboration underscores Belize’s dedication to accelerating the prevention and elimination of child labor and ensuring a brighter future for all Belizean children,” the statement added.
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