Belize City March Calls for Child Abuse Prevention

Hundreds gathered in Belize City for a blue‑themed march organized by the National Women’s Commission and the Ministry of Human Development. The demonstration, held ahead of August 9’s Child and Adolescent Sexual Violence Day, aimed to raise awareness of child sexual abuse and to encourage community action. Participants marched from Battlefield Park along Albert Street and Dr. Dame Minita Gordon Drive, joined by the Belize Police, Coast Guard, the National Commission for Families and Children and several NGOs.

Minister of Human Development Thea Garcia‑Ramirez reported that 240 cases of sexual abuse were recorded in 2025, noting that only about 40 % of incidents are reported. In response, the ministry secured funding for seven additional child‑services officers to improve response capacity. Organizers stressed that protecting children requires collective effort and ongoing dialogue.