‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.

Children at Higher Risk

In Belize, girls and children from other Central American countries are most at risk for the worst forms of child labor. Girls are at risk of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Some children and asylum seekers are vulnerable to forced child labor as a result of not having identification documents and work authorizations. Mennonite children are involved in hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery, tractors, and small planes, and fumigating with herbicides and insecticides. Minors, especially boys between the ages of 10 and 15, are engaged in illicit activities such as trafficking and selling drugs throughout the country and weapons in the Belize City area. Gangs also coerce male minors into theft, burglary, assault, and the assassination of rival gang members.

Barriers to Education Access

Belize lacks an adequate number of qualified teachers, properly equipped facilities, and sufficient supplies. In particular, schools are not furnished with chalk boards, pens, paper, or internet access. Low pay and fear of violence contribute to the shortage of teachers. Access to education is also hindered by the cost of school fees, textbooks, uniforms, and meals. Government subsidies toward educational expenses are used by 60 percent of high school students, but subsidies do not fully cover the mentioned fees. For children outside of Belize City, Toledo, and Stann Creek, access to subsidies is not automatic and is conditioned by an application process. As a result of local administrative interference, funds do not always reach all qualifying students. Access to education also may get delayed if children are lacking or missing identification documents. However, there were no such cases registered during the reporting period.

* Country has no conscription

In 2024, Belize amended its compulsory education age from 14 to 16 years old. However, the country did not also raise its minimum working age, which remains at 14. As the minimum age for work is lower than the compulsory education age, children may be encouraged to leave school before the completion of compulsory education. While Belizean law sets the minimum legal age for work in wholesale and retail trade or business at age 14, the law is inconsistent with international standards on light work. There is no formal definition of such work, and types of light work permissible for children ages 12 to 14 have not yet been identified. Belizean law is also inconsistent with international standards on hazardous work, as children over age 14 may work in industrial undertakings—including in activities such as mining, manufacturing, and construction. In addition, although Belizean law indicates that children under age 18 are prohibited from being employed or engaged in any activity that may be detrimental to their health, education, or mental, physical, or moral development, the law does not specify which employment activities are detrimental to children. A list of hazardous work prohibited for all children has not been adopted as law. The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (Prohibition) Act and the Criminal Code prohibit all forms of child sexual exploitation, with the former explicitly prohibiting child pornography and pornographic performances. However, a person in a consensual relationship with a child over 16 is permitted to give or promise remuneration, goods, food, or other benefits in exchange for sexual acts. This provision leaves children vulnerable to use in prostitution. Belizean law does not contain a prohibition on the use of children in specific illicit activities, including the production and trafficking of drugs and firearms.

In 2024, 28 labor inspectors conducted 834 worksite inspections and found 0 child labor violations. The government also conducted 8 investigations into suspected worst forms of child labor crimes, initiated 1 prosecution, and convicted 1 perpetrator.

† The government has other policies that may have addressed child labor issues or had an impact on child labor.

‡ Program is funded by the Government of Belize.

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