Belmopan, June 12, 2023.
Today, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development,
Labour, and Local Government joined the global community in commemorating World Day Against Child Labour at an event at Escuela Secondaria Tecnica Mexico (ESTM) in San Roman Village, Corozal District, under the theme “Social Justice for All. End Child Labor!”
The commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour serves as a reminder of the importance of ending child labour and providing a better life for children worldwide. The event highlights that Belize’s Ministry of Labour is determined to promote child welfare and development.
Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, Minister of State in the ministry, noted the importance of eradicating child labour. He underlined the Government of Belize’s commitment to working with communities, schools, and other stakeholders to establish a society where all children are free from exploitation.
“We must protect our children and provide them with access to education and opportunities to reach their full potential,” Hon. Ramirez stated. “We remain committed to collaborating with all of our partners to end child labour and promote social justice for all.”
A key feature of the event was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Labour and the Progressive Sugar Cane Farmers Association. The MOU commits both the ministry and the association to collectively address child labour issues by 2025, including jointly addressing child labour education and sensitization as well as developing and advocating for social protection opportunities for children.
During the event, students from ESTM who had participated in the ministry’s video competition were given prizes for their creativity. The videos highlighted the negative effects of child labour and the positive approaches to eliminating the issue.
Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Valentino Shal, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Labour; Mrs. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner; members of the Progressive Sugar Cane Farmers Association, and Mr. Oscar Santana, Principal of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico.
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For more information, please contact:
Ginee Neal
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government
g.neal@labour.gov.bz
