The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched a transformative initiative titled “Strengthening Youth Governance and Institutional Resilience for Peacebuilding in Belize” at the New Beginnings Youth Development Centre.
The initiative represents a major step forward in strengthening Belize’s youth development and rehabilitation systems, with a focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable youth, including those in state care and in conflict with the law.
Delivering remarks at the soft launch, Hon. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every young person is supported, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive. She noted that the initiative responds directly to longstanding gaps in policy, coordination, and institutional capacity, and reflects a bold, integrated approach to youth development and peacebuilding.
Minister Garcia-Ramirez further emphasized the ongoing transformation of the New Beginnings Youth Development Centre from a detention-based model to one grounded in rehabilitation and reintegration, marking a significant shift in how Belize supports its youth, in both philosophy and practice.
The initiative was developed by UNDP at the request of the Honourable Minister and is supported through UNDP’s Governance, Peacebuilding, Crisis, and Resilience (GPR) Funding Window, providing catalytic financing of BZD100,000 to strengthen institutional systems and youth-focused interventions.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Amilin Mendez, Team Lead for Inclusive Growth, Digitization and Governance, highlighted the vision underpinning the initiative, stating:
“From vulnerability to possibility, building systems that truly believe in our young people. This initiative is not just a project; it is a commitment to ensuring that every young person, especially those most vulnerable, is met with systems that support, protect, and empower them.”
The project supports the continued strengthening of the New Beginnings Youth Development Centre as a rehabilitative, rights-based facility. Through a comprehensive package of interventions, the initiative will:
- Strengthen case management systems and introduce individualized transition and aftercare plans
- Support family reintegration and long-term development pathways for youth
- Build staff capacity in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and relationship-building
- Expand psychosocial and therapeutic support for residents and staff
- Enhance safeguarding systems to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse and promote dignity, protection, and accountability
The initiative aligns with Belize’s broader national priorities, including justice reform efforts under the PACE Justice Programme, which promotes diversion, rehabilitation, and non-penal approaches for youth in conflict with the law.
As Belize continues to invest in its young people, this initiative signals a renewed national commitment to transforming systems of care and ensuring that every youth, regardless of circumstance, can heal, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society.
About the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs is responsible for promoting the wellbeing, protection, and development of vulnerable populations in Belize, including children, families, and persons in need of social protection and care services.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, working in over 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient institutions. In Belize, UNDP supports governance reform, justice transformation, digitalization, and inclusive development.
The post Government of Belize and UNDP launch transformative Youth initiative to strengthen rehabilitation, reintegration, and Youth governance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched a transformative initiative titled “Strengthening Youth Governance and Institutional Resilience for Peacebuilding in Belize” at the New Beginnings Youth Development Centre. The initiative represents a major step forward in strengthening Belize’s youth development and
The post Government of Belize and UNDP launch transformative Youth initiative to strengthen rehabilitation, reintegration, and Youth governance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
