A groundbreaking situational analysis conducted by UNICEF in collaboration with Belize’s Ministry of Human Development has revealed alarming systemic failures in supporting children with disabilities. The comprehensive study, released on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3, 2025), identifies multiple critical barriers including widespread discrimination, insufficient specialized personnel, and chronic underfunding of essential support initiatives.
Paulette Wade, UNICEF Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, emphasized the study’s concerning findings: “Our analysis examined the challenges facing children with disabilities, barriers to service access, and the support systems parents identify as lacking for their children’s development.”
The research highlights several fundamental deficiencies in Belize’s current framework. Most notably, the country lacks a national disability registry, creating significant data gaps that hinder effective policy planning and resource allocation. Wade confirmed, “The country does not have a national register for persons with disabilities,” though she noted Belize’s management system should theoretically capture such information.
Despite the recent passage of the Disabilities Act exactly one year prior to the report’s release, implementation remains inadequate. The healthcare sector shows particular concerns regarding accessibility and availability of specialized services for children with disabilities.
The findings underscore an urgent need for strategic intervention and increased investment to address these systemic shortcomings and ensure equitable support for Belize’s most vulnerable young citizens.