Belize Takes Major Step to Protect Rights of Older Citizens

Belize becomes the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to sign the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of Human Rights of Older Persons. Belize signed the convention on Monday, December 16, and now joins 12 other countries, including Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), around 106 million people over the age of 60 live in the Americas, with that number expected to reach 310 million by 2050, including 190 million in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Convention, adopted by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 2015, seeks to ensure that people aged 60 and older can fully enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Convention Belize signed covers 27 specific rights, including access to healthcare, social security, political participation, and community involvement.

“By joining this Convention, Belize reaffirms its dedication to human rights at every stage of life. We are fostering a society that values and protects its citizens, ensuring that ageing is not a period of vulnerability but an opportunity for continued contribution, respect, and personal fulfilment,” said Lynn Young, Ambassador of Belize to the United States and Permanent Representative of Belize to the OAS.