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The George Price Center in Belmopan was vibrant this morning as young leaders from across the country convened for the 5th Annual Sitting of the Children’s Parliament. It is an event held in recognition of Universal Children’s Month, the launch of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and the upcoming International Day to End Violence Against Women on November 25. Presiding over the special sitting was Derda Castillo, who served as Speaker of the House, guiding the youth representatives through a full parliamentary session that mirrored the conduct and procedures of Belize’s House of Representatives meeting. The Children’s Parliament forms part of a national initiative that empowers youth voices and encourages civic engagement among adolescents. This year’s session placed strong emphasis on protection, health, and safety, reflecting the broader advocacy themes being observed globally throughout November. Prior to the primary debate, the sitting commenced with remarks from the Minister of Human Development, who underscored the importance of ending gender-based violence.
Children’s Parliament House Speaker: “As we begin today’s sitting, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all members of Parliament, to our esteemed guests in public galleries, to the invited guests seated in temporary galleries in the courtyard downstairs, and to all those joining us from home and abroad.”
Children’s Parliament House Secretary: “Statement by Minister.”
Children’s Parliament House Speaker: “I recognize honorable Minister of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs.”
Children’s Parliament Minister of Human Development: “Good morning, Madam Speaker. I request to use my notes.”
Children’s Parliament House Speaker: “Proceed.”
Children’s Parliament Minister of Human Development:“Good morning, Madam Speaker, honorable parliamentarians, and members of the House. Today, I rise to speak about an issue that affects every single one of us in this chamber, the issue of the recent child abuse and femicides in our country. These are not just headlines or statistics. These are real problems that our everyday citizens have to go through. In 2023, Belize had a total of 10 women murdered. According to the Belize Crime Observatory, from January 2024 to December 2024, there were a total of 1,277 domestic violence cases. cases. This is a 2% increase from the year before. Keep in mind that over 95% of these cases were against females and over half of that 95 was against minors under the age of 16. We are now in 2025 and just in the past month, up to October 24, 2025, five women have been killed in 20 days. This is unacceptable. Belize regionally was in third place of Central America with the most highest femicide rates. At my young age, I have seen too many young lives taken too soon. Violence against women and children remains one of the most serious problems in Belize. Our femicide rate is among the highest in the region and many cases of abuse go unreported because victims are afraid or do not trust in the system to protect them. We must strengthen our laws to clearly define and push gender-based violence. We have to create a system for children and women to receive support and educate families and communities so that violence is not seen as acceptable. Each of us has a role to play whether we are leaders, teachers, parents or young people. We all share the duty to protect the vulnerable. Let us build a Belize where every child feels safe and every woman can live free from fear. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.”
At the heart of today’s proceedings was the debate on the Adolescent Preventive Health Protection Bill 2025, brought forward through the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Youth parliamentarians discussed measures aimed at improving access to health information, strengthening protections for minors, and promoting preventive healthcare services nationwide. Here is a snippet of views presented by several of the youth representatives.
“Madam Speaker, I rise today with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility as the youth parliamentarian for Orange Walk East to address this honorable house on an issue that strikes at the heart of our nation’s future. The right of adolescents in Belize to access preventive health services. Madam Speaker, imagine being a teenager who feels unwell but cannot see a doctor because a parent or guardian is not around. For many young people, it is not imagination, it is reality. Preventive health care is not just about treating illness, it’s about empowerment. It gives our youth the confidence, knowledge and freedom to take charge of their own health.”
Children’s Parliament House Speaker: “I recognize honorable Leader of the Opposition.”
Children’s Parliament Leader of the Opposition: “Let me be clear. From the outset, the principle of ensuring our young people have better access to health service is one that in theory every member on this side of the house can support. The health of our future generation is paramount. However, Madam Speaker, while we commend this honorable house for tackling the issue of the gap between those with the age of consent and access to preventive care, we must scrutinize the methods proposed in this draft bill. A closer look reveals a potentially damaging disregard for the role of the family and significant legal obscurity that will create chaos and not clarity. This bill in its current form is a step too far too fast and on a too shaky legal foundation.”
Children’s Parliament House Speaker: “I recognize Honorable Prime Minister.”
Children’s Parliament Prime Minister: “Good day Madam Speaker, Honorable members, media and present guests. Madam Speaker may I refer to my notes? Madam Speaker, today I rise not only as Prime Minister and as a are representative for Orange Walk Central, but as a voice for every young Belizean whose future depends on timely, respectful and confidential access to health care. This bill marks a bold shift in how we treat adolescents here in Belize. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is anyone under the age of 18. This is also echoed in our Belizean constitution which guarantees every person the right to life, dignity and privacy. We must admit that parenting is in fact challenging. Many parents often work long hours or some of them often juggle multiple jobs. And in impoverished communities and some deeply religious household, topics like sexual health and mental health are often considered taboo, leaving these young adolescents without spaces to voice their opinions and concern. As leaders, we must recognize that silence and shame are not strategies for protection. This bill will allow adolescent to seek preventive health services like mental health support, reproductive education, and screening without needing parental consent. It does not aim to exclude parents, but it is aimed to protect those children, those adolescents whose home environment may not support their needs.”
Organizers have expressed pride in the thoughtful, passionate contributions made by the youth representatives, affirming that the Children’s Parliament continues to be a powerful platform for nurturing Belize’s next generation of leaders./
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