# Guatemala-Belize territorial dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-belize-territorial-dispute
> Updated: 2026-09-17T15:58:13.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Guatemala and Belize have engaged in diplomatic discussions with the Organization of American States (OAS) to maintain stability and dialogue regarding their long-standing territorial dispute. These talks, held in the Adjacency Zone, focused on confidence-building measures and economic assistance while awaiting a binding ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The ICJ has since scheduled oral hearings for early 2027 to address these matters. The first hearings, set for February 22–26, 2027, will address Guatemala’s territorial, insular, and maritime claims against Belize. A second set of hearings, scheduled for March 1–5, 2027, will concern sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes. While the latter case was initiated by Belize against Honduras, Guatemala is authorized to participate as an intervening party to provide legal observations.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: ICJ schedules 2027 hearings for Belize territorial disputes

The ICJ has set oral hearing dates for February and March 2027 to resolve territorial disputes between Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras regarding maritime claims and the Sapodilla Cayes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icj-schedules-2027-hearings-for-belize-territorial-disputes

### 2026-08-31: Guatemala and Belize discuss relations with OAS amid ICJ dispute

Guatemala and Belize officials met with the OAS to discuss bilateral relations and stability measures while awaiting a binding International Court of Justice ruling on their territorial dispute.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-and-belize-discuss-relations-with-oas-amid-icj-dispute

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Cite as: Guatemala-Belize territorial dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-belize-territorial-dispute