IOM Highlights National Migration Challenges in Advocacy Campaign

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is observing 13 Days of Migration Advocacy to raise awareness about migration issues in Belize and highlight the organization’s work supporting migrants and communities nationwide.  IOM says its role in Belize focuses on assisting migrants, strengthening government institutions, and working with communities to improve migration systems. The organization also collaborates with government ministries on policies linked to the Global Compact for Migration, which includes goals such as improving migration data, providing legal identity and documentation, combating smuggling, supporting immigrant skills development, and promoting alternatives to detention.  Love News spoke with IOM’s Head in Belize, Diane Locke, and outlined the many government partnerships supporting this work.

Locke noted that over the past five years, IOM has achieved several key objectives but emphasized that more work remains. She added that while migrants are the primary beneficiaries, IOM also assists Belizean communities by gathering local data, supporting village development initiatives, and helping preserve community histories.

IOM says continued cooperation among government agencies, civil society, and international partners is vital to strengthening Belize’s migration response. As activities continue ahead of World Migration Day on December 18, IOM says it will continue its public education and building safe, orderly, and humane migration systems nationwide.