A high-level meeting of the ministries of Immigration, Human Development, Home Affairs, Labour, Tourism, and Agriculture along with the Director of Public Prosecutions was held in Belmopan on April 11, 2022.Ministry representatives discussed the topics of migrant labour for agroindustry in Belize and the need to strengthen collaboration amongst ministries and departments in preventing and combating labour exploitation and trafficking in persons.
Participants conducted a review of the recent migrant incident of March 19/20, 2022, and focused on striking a balance between the need for migrant labour, the demands of the industries and the protection of individuals, especially children from child labour and other forms of exploitation.
At the level of chief executive officers and heads of department, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council will continue to conduct educational campaigns on labour exploitation with the aim of building awareness. Also, through its Operations Committee, the council will enhance inspections and operations to identify and respond to labour violations and possible trafficking in persons.
Participants pledged revitalized efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and decided on the development of a national migration policy, which will work in tandem with anti-trafficking efforts thus fulfilling the government’s mandate of combatting all forms of exploitation.
