2. Published: November 2006
By:
With the support of Government of Belize
Written by:
Marleni Cuellar
for the National Committee for Families and Children
Designed and Published by:
Dolphin Productions Limited
Illustrations by:
George ‘RasHead’ Griffith
This version of the Convention on the Rights of the
Child was produced by Save the Children.

3. 1
The UNGASS or
the United Nations
In 2002 children and leaders from all over the world got together in New
General Assembly York to take part in a very important discussion about children. The
Special Session for discussion was called the United Nations General Assembly Special When we say
Children was a very
Session (UNGASS) for Children. At the end of this meeting all leaders children we
important meeting
are talking
held in 2002 where all agreed to a set of goals and a global plan they called: “A World Fit for about all
countries of the world
came together to talk
Children.” persons
between
about the situation of
0 to 17 years.
children across the
world and what could
be done to make life The National Plan of Action for Children and Adolescents(NPA) for
better for all children Belize was created to keep the promise our government made at the
UNGASS for children. It was created to meet special goals for children
and adolescents over an eleven year period: 2004 – 2015. It is how our
country’s leaders promise to create a ‘Belize Fit for Children.’
This booklet is written for children but anyone can read it to learn more
about the National Plan of Action. It uses easy-to-read language and
pictures to explain the National Plan of Action: Who created it, How it was
created, and most importantly What it plans to achieve. He’s right! In
fact, your very
An adolescent is a first right in the
young person between Convention on
the ages of 10 and 19. the Rights of
It is the time before the Child says:
becoming an adult. that any person
under the age of
18 is considered
a child.

4. 2
Hello. My name is Bev and I am Tareek and we are Belizean Children. We are
trying to learn more about this plan that is suppose to be for us and all other
children in Belize. I hope this book will be able to help us understand the plan
and learn more about our rights.
Hi Bev, Hi Tareek
My name is Ellsworth and I am a High School student in Belize. I know a lot
about Children s Rights and the National Plan of Action. It is very important
that you learn about it too. So I am going to help you.
But before we get started meet some of
my friends who will help us too:
My name is
Dexter and
I will explain
difficult words
for you.
And I am Ms CRC,
I will tell you about
your rights.

5. 3
So...what exactly is NPA?
Our NPA is a plan of action for our entire country; NPA
is just a shortened term for National Plan of Action for
Children and Adolescents. It brings together all the promises
our leaders have made for children into detailed actions that
they will make happen by 2015. This is so that all children
and adolescents in Belize can grow to fullest potential.
Let me explain what a Plan of Action is:
A Plan of Action is a step-by-step
Who created our NPA? description of how future activities will
be completed. It normally includes the
results to be achieved and how to find
out if the activities are working properly.
Our NPA was created through lots of hard work from
many people. It was a process that took over a year
to finish. Let me show you how it happened:

6. 4
THE WAY TO THE NPA
April 2002
Belize Agrees to ‘A World Fit
2
00
For Children’ at the UNGASS
in New York. 2
b er 003
v em r y2
No rua
A special group is formed to
begin the creation Feb
of the NPA. The group decides on
six main areas
of attention.
September 2004
04
20 The Prime Minister,
e Hon. Said Musa, and the
Jun Leader of the Opposition,
Hon. Dean Barrow,
sign the NPA.
The group agrees on
the final NPA
(The one we have today!)

7. 5
But why did the Prime Minister sign the plan?
The Prime Minister signed the plan to endorse it. This was a Endorse means to
agree and approve
very important step in creating the plan. It was important because of something.
BOTH the Prime Minister AND the Leader of the Opposition
signed together putting all differences aside to agree that no
matter who is in power - Children would be their #1 concern and
the NPA would be their #1 way of investing in children.
NOW, LETS LEARN ABOUT WHAT'S IN OUR NPA!

8. 6
THE NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION: INVESTING IN
OUR CHILDREN
2004-2015
The first thing you should know is that
all parts of the NPA are important.
And although it focuses on six main
areas; no one area is more important
than the other. Each is very important
in ensuring that all Belizean children
develop fully. This drawing below will
help you to understand what s in the
NPA and how it works:
That’s right!
Not only are they all
important but they are
all basic human and
children rights

9. 7

10. 8
Let's start with our destination:
There are three main goals that we are trying to reach. The NPA includes
the beginning actions to be taken so that eventually ALL CHILDREN
can:
- Receive love, affection, safety, respect and values without
discrimination, so that we can develop to our fullest potential:
Mind, Body, and Spirit.
- Apply our rights and also the responsibilities that come along with
those rights
- Have opportunities for our families and communities offered by the
Discrimination is when
country so that we can live a better life.
we are not treated
equally or are treated
differently because
of our race, color,
sex, language, religion, Doesn't that sound like a
disability, and anything wonderful way to live!
else that makes us
unique.

11. 9
There are six clouds hanging over the road. These are the guides for the plan.
They are always there and must be a part of our travel. All together they make
sure that when making the NPA a reality:
- All boys and girls are treated the same
- Our environment is not damaged or destroyed
- Children and adolescents are allowed to fully participate
Participation
- Families are kept united
is being
- Every child is treated the same no matter if they are boy or girl, which race involved in,
they belong to, which church they go to, or where the come from. playing a part
- Everyone works together - Government, Organizations, Parents, in, something.
Schools, Community Leaders, Children... Lawyers, Bankers, Having
Doctors, Police, Social Workers...EVERYBODY! your voice
heard and
Environment is all that being taken
surrounds us. The trees, seriously -
sea, sky, star, moon... usually when
all that Mother Nature decisions
That's right! Because we are important!
created are being
taken about
something
We the children and adolescents of
Belize will use the NPA to take us to
the wonderful goals. As we travel, we
will be sure to stop at each main area.
Here s what they have to offer:
Accessible means
everyone is able to use or I will:
benefit from something - Make education accessible and affordable to everyone
- Have every child receive the best quality of education
Affordable is something - Have less children dropping out of school
that someone with a - Have more children capable of reading and writing well
regular or small pay can - Give both boys and girls the same opportunity to become
buy. educated

12. 10 I will:
- Have all babies and infants live a longer and healthier early years
- Have less children suffering from malnutrition
- Have less children born with disabilities
- Have less children suffering from health problems, diseases and
dangers that can be avoided: like dengue, lice, cavities and Disabilities are
Malnutrition is the accidents physical or
result of not getting - Have healthier adolescents mental problems.
enough food or - Make mental health services for children, adolescents and their For example:
water to maintain a family more accessible and affordable having a body
healthy body. part missing
or not working
properly.
I will:
- Protect more children from being abuse and abandoned
Abandoned is when - Stop the worst forms of child labor
your parents give you - Have less adolescents having children
up. They no longer - Create more opportunities for children with disabilities
take care of you. and special needs
- Have more opportunities for all children and less
discrimination
- Have less children committing crimes
Child Labor is work
done by a child that
is harmful to them
in some way. It
could be harmful by
making them sick,
stopping them from
going to school
or makes them
feel bad about
themselves.

13. 11
I will:
-Have less babies born with HIV
-Make care and treatment for people who are HIV positive affordable and
accessible
-Have less children getting HIV
-Make more support services available for children orphaned by HIV
-Have less discrimination of children living with HIV or AIDS
I will: Orphaned is
-Make sure parents can take good care of their children when one or both
-Have less families living in poor conditions a child’s parents
have died
I will:
-Make creative arts programs accessible and affordable
HIV is the virus that to children of all backgrounds
causes AIDS which -Have more children know more about the different cultures
stops your body from of Belize
protecting itself from -Have more opportunities for children to express
sicknesses. It can lead
themselves creatively
to death.

14. 12
A Non Governmental
So how do we get to the goals? Organization or NGO
is any organization
which is not part of
government which exists
We use the strategies. to help people who have
some sort of problem
or to protect something
which is in danger.
Yeah, I'll take you there.
We are the processes that will be used to take you to the goals. We are:
-The rules that will be made and corrected to protect you
-Information on the real condition of children in Belize
-More knowledge for those implementing the plan
-Unity of all those working for children and adolescents
- The measurements that check if the plan is working properly
And who is the Police Man?
I am a Traffic Officer. I make sure that everyone is headed in the
right direction towards the goals.
Implement
means to put into
action.

15. 13
So many things work together There are many people in different places working together to make
for the NPA. Who else is the NPA a reality. The Government Ministries and Non Government
involved and what have they Organizations (NGO's) will complete the activities in this plan.
been doing so far?
The job of making sure that they do this, like the Traffic Officer,
is the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC).
They have even broken up the plan into smaller pieces and created
schedules by when certain things should be completed. The NCFC
will also constantly check the progress of the plan as it is being put
into action.
All together, they take their jobs very seriously. Everybody who's a
Well, I have one last question for you, part of the NPA wants to see a "Belize fit for Children."
Ellsworth.
How can we take part in creating the
"Belize Fit for Children"?
Very good question.
First of all, remember that the NPA is only
the beginning of the process of creating the
"Belize Fit for Children."It maps out the work
that needs to be done for children in six areas.
It is now the job of many people - including you
- to make sure that the NPA is accomplished
by the end of 2015.
Here's what you can do:
1. Learn about your NPA and understand it as
best as you possibly can.
2. Teach others about it: your friends, your
parents, your teachers' anyone.
Everyone must contribute to improve the lives
of all children and adolescents in Belize.

16. 14
Here's the full list of all your rights! Article 12:
You have the right to an opinion and for it to be listened to and taken
seriously.
Article 13:
THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON You have the right to find out things and say what you think, through making
THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD art, speaking and writing, unless it breaks the rights of others.
Article 1: Article 14:
Everyone under 18 has all these rights. You have the right to think what you like and be whatever religion you want to
be, with your parents guidance.
Article 2:
You have the right to protection against discrimination. This means Article 15:
that nobody can treat you badly because of your color, sex or religion, You have the right to be with friends and join or set up clubs, unless this
if you speak another language, have a disability, or are rich or poor. breaks the rights of others.
Article 3: Article 16:
All adults should always do what is best for you. You have the right to a private life. For instance, you can keep a diary that
other people are not allowed to see.
Article 4 Article 17:
You have a right to make your rights made a reality by the government. You have the right to collect information from the media radios,
newspapers, television, etc from all around the world. You should also be
Article 5 protected from information that could harm you.
You have the right to be given guidance by your parents and family.
Article 18:
Article 6: You have the right to be brought up by your parents, if possible.
You have the right to life.
Article 19:
Article 7: You have the right to be protected from being hurt or badly treated.
You have the right to have a name and a nationality.
Article 20:
Article 8: You have the right to special protection and help if you can t live with your
You have the right to an identity. parents.
Article 9: Article 21:
You have the right to live with your parents, unless it is bad for you. You have the right to have the best care for you if you are adopted or
Article 10: fostered, or living in care.
If you and your parents are living in separate countries, you have the
right to get back together and live in the same place. Article 22:
You have the right to special protection and help if you are a refugee. A
Article 11: refugee is someone who has had to leave their country because it is not
You should not be kidnapped. safe for them to live there.

17. 15
Article 23: Article 34:
If you are disabled, either mentally or physically, you have the right You have the right to be protected from sexual abuse.
to special care and education to help you develop and lead a full life.
Article 35:
Article 24: No one is allowed to kidnap you or sell you.
You have a right to the best health possible, and to medical care and
to information that will help you to stay well. Article 36
You have the right to protection from any other kind of exploitation.
Article 25
You have the right to have your living arrangements checked regularly Article 37:
if you have to be looked after away from home. You have the right not to be punished in a cruel or hurtful way.
Article 26 Article 38:
You have the right to get help from the government if you are in poor You have a right to protection in times of war. If you are under 15, you should
or in need. never have to be in an army or take part in a battle.
Article 27: Article 39:
You have the right to a good enough standard of living. This means You have the right to help if you have been hurt, neglected or badly treated.
you should have food, clothes and a place to live.
Article 40:
Article 28: You have the right to help in defending yourself if you are accused of breaking
You have the right to education. the law.
Article 29: Article 41
You have the right to education that tries to develop your personality You have the right to any rights in your laws in your country or internationally
and abilities as much as possible and encourages you to respect that give you better rights than these.
other people s rights and values, and to respect the environment.
Article 42:
Article 30: All adults and children should know about this Convention. You have a right to
If you come from a minority group, because of your race, religion or learn about your rights, and adults should learn about them too.
language, you have the right to enjoy your own culture, practice your
own religion, and use your own language. Articles 43 - 54 are about how governments and international organizations
will work to give children their rights
Article 31:
You have the right to play and relax by doing things like sports,
music and drama.
Article 32:
You have the right to protection from work that is bad for your health
or education.
Article 33:
You have the right to be protected from dangerous drugs.

18. 16 Here are some places in Belize that work for Children and their Families:
Name What do they do? Where can you find them?
The BFC works family matters in the court such as custody, maintenance, family Treasury Lane
Belize Family Court BFC
violence. Belize City
Belize Council for the Visually BCVI works with Belizeans who have problems with their sight to live as normal a life as 1 Gabourel Lane
BCVI
Impaired possible. They also teach people to protect and take care of their eyes. Belize City
BFLA works with adolescents and young adults; they offer health sessions and Mercy Lane
Belize Family Life Association BFLA
counseling services so that they can grow to have healthy lives. Belize City
Cornerstone provides families and children affected by HIV/AIDS with their basic needs 90 Burns Avenue
Cornerstone Foundation
like food, clothing, medicine and education. San Ignacio Town
Community Agency for the
CARE works to make the lives of children with disabilities better, especially those under 25 Gabourel Lane
Rehabilitation and Education for CARE
six years old. Belize City
persons with disabilities in Belize
Freetown Road
Community Rehabilitation Department CRD CRD works with children who come in conflict with the law.
Belize City
HHM provides very poor families with some of their very important needs like food, 144 North Front Street
Hand in Hand Ministries HHM
clothing, shelter, education and medical care. Belize City
DHS helps families who are having problems to be able to take care of their children. 2nd Floor Commercial Center
Department of Human Services DHS
They also protect children who are being abused and neglected. Belize City
National Committee for Families and NCFC works with other organizations to make sure that children and families can have 62 Cleghorn Street
NCFC
Children a better life and that their rights are protected. Belize City
NDACC works to inform people about the dangers of using drugs. They also help those 38 Freetown Road
National Drug Abuse Control Council NDACC
who have become involved in drugs to get better. Belize City
3rd Floor Nursing School
National Organization for the
NOPCAN works to prevent children from being abused and neglect. They also teach Building
Prevention of Child Abuse and NOPCAN
families and teachers about positive discipline Cor St Thomas Street
Neglect
Belize City
831 Coney Drive
United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF UNICEF supports Belizean organizations in programs for children and adolescents.
Belize City
Faber’s Road Extension
Young Men’s Christian Association YMCA YMCA works to develop Belizean children through educational programmes
Belize City
119 Cor Freetown & St
YWCA works to create opportunities for the total development of girls and women in
Young Women’s Christian Association YWCA Thomas Street
Belize
Belize City
Princess Margaret Drive
Youth Enhancement Services YES YES works with girls and young mothers to lead better lives
Belize City
Youth For the Future Drive
Youth For the Future YFF YFF works with youths guiding and helping them to become good citizens.
Belize City

19. Don't stop learning about your rights!
Be sure to read
Rights, Responsibilities & Respect
A Guide to the Rights and responsibilities
of Children under the Families and Children Act
Going to Court
And many more booklets for Children!