UNICEF this morning launched a book called "ensuring the rights of indigenous children" that in the Belizean context raises serious concerns about the state of Maya children - which according to the recent poverty survey are the most impoverished Belizeans.
Representatives told us that the issue of the Maya must be addressed.
Nadia Vasquez, UNICEF Belize Country Director
"Almost 30 percent of the population is poor and most of the poor are children. If you see the information about Toledo, most of the children there are poor, 84 percent there are poor and most of them are indigenous.
Alfonso Noble,
"Who is a part of the Indigenous population?"
Melva Johnson, UNICEF Consultant
"UNICEF distinguishes between indigenous and marginalized. For our purposes in Belize we consider the Mayas indigenous and mainly from a vulnerability perspective. The last poverty figures are showing that the Mayans are the most vulnerable."
"Vulnerability speaks to people who are at risk and at risk for different things. Vulnerability is different than poverty. We based on consumption and if you are unable to consume a basic number of calories or don't have access to basic services you are considered poor. So poverty speaks mainly to your ability to consume and have access to so basic services that humans need to survive."
Nadia Vasquez,
"Our goal is to put children in the national agenda but especially the most vulnerable ones and to protect their rights."
The publication was simultaneously released throughout the world this morning.