Belize

In Belize, children of undocumented migrant parents may go unregistered because their parents lack the required documentation (passport, social security, ID card) or are fearful of approaching registrar offices. In addition, if a childbirth is attended by a midwife then the midwife must notify the Ministry of Health for the formal registration process within 3 days of birth. This timeframe was shortened from 3 months to prevent fraudulent registrations. If the midwife does not report the birth within 3 days, then undocumented parents may face further challenges because they are unable to certify that the birth took place in Belize. The CMW (2024) expressed concern at persistent challenges in accessing birth registration, including by children of irregular migrants. The UPR (2024) and CEDAW (2025) made recommendations for Belize to facilitate birth registration for children of asylum-seekers, migrant women, and Indigenous parents, especially in rural areas.