By Zoila Palma: The Refugees Department under the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour is celebrating its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of transformation from a modest office into a key national and regional authority on refugee protection.
The milestone comes with reflection on the department’s evolution since its re-establishment in 2016, when it was tasked with safeguarding the rights of asylum-seekers while helping Belize meet its international protection obligations.
The Ministry noted that what began as a small team managing a significant backlog of cases has grown into an institution recognized for advancing fairness, transparency, and humanitarian response.
Over the past decade, the department has achieved several major milestones.
In 2017, Belize joined the regional protection framework known as MIRPS, strengthening its role in collaborative responses to displacement. A significant boost came in 2022 through a partnership with UNHCR, which helped the department address application backlogs and improve service delivery.
Belize’s leadership in refugee affairs was further solidified in 2024 when it assumed the Pro-Tempore Presidency of MIRPS. That same year also saw the opening of an Information Resource Center in Benque Viejo and the addition of a liaison officer to enhance outreach and coordination.
More recent initiatives include the 2025 launch of the OAS Border Presence Project in collaboration with the Organization of American States, aimed at strengthening border support systems.
In 2026, the department transitioned its technical staff into permanent positions and began full digitalization of its operations, with support from the Government of Japan, signaling a move toward more efficient and future-ready services.
“Thank you to our local and international partners who have stood by us when resources were scarce, and to the staff who are the backbone of this mission. We celebrate not just what we have done, but inspired by what we are about to do. We stand ready to lead the next decade with technical excellence and a humanitarian heart,” the Ministry expressed.
The post Belize Refugees Department marks 10 years of growth and regional leadership appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Refugees Department under the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour is celebrating its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of transformation from a modest office into a key national and regional authority on refugee protection. The milestone comes with reflection on the department’s evolution since its re-establishment in 2016, when it was
The post Belize Refugees Department marks 10 years of growth and regional leadership appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.