IOM trains Belizean front-line actors to better protect migrant children

In light of the recent approval by Cabinet of the Protocol to Identify, Assist and Protect Migrant Children, the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous People’s Affairs (MHDFIPA) and the International Organization for Migration in Belize are jointly conducting nationwide training of trainers (TOT) on the Protocol for frontline authorities who come in contact with migrant children.  

Throughout the month of July, several frontline government workers were acquainted with the Protocol and emphasize the roles and responsibilities of each agency in the protection of migrant children in Belize, a country where 15 per cent of the total population are migrants.  

The protocol was developed by MHDFIPA and IOM to formally harmonize the actions of all front-line government actors that encounter accompanied, unaccompanied, and separated migrant children during the course of their duties. It is guided by national, regional, and international conventions and gives priority to children’s right to life, survival, security and shelter.  

Frontline authorities that have been invited to participate in the trainings include representatives from the Ministry of Immigration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Department of Human Services, Labour Department, Belize Police Department, Belize Defence Force, and Belize Coast Guard.  

The training on the Protocol began in the Belize district, and will continue to be rolled out in the remaining five districts throughout the country with frontline authorities participating from the respective districts. This activity is conducted within the framework of the Western Hemisphere Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.