The Dominican Republic’s announcement of mass deportations of Haitian nationals has prompted a response from Haiti’s Chancellor, Dominique Dupuy. Concerned about the rights of those targeted, Dupuy calls for adherence to international treaties and outlines strategies to assist repatriated individuals. Meetings with UNHCR are underway to discuss the safety of Haitian migrants, with plans to prioritize passport applications from the Dominican Republic as part of the response.
In response to the Dominican Republic’s announcement to commence mass deportations of Haitian nationals, Haitian Chancellor Dominique Dupuy expressed grave concern over the proposed measures aimed at expelling up to 10,000 Haitians weekly. On October 2, 2024, the Dominican authorities disclosed their intention to implement what Dupuy referred to as discriminatory actions against individuals of Haitian descent residing in the Dominican Republic. Dupuy emphasized the necessity of upholding the fundamental rights guaranteed to every individual targeted by such measures, aligning with international treaties that advocate for the protection of vulnerable groups. To support affected citizens, the Haitian government plans to bolster the resources of its diplomatic missions and consular posts in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad is set to engage with civil society organizations and international agencies to outline a strategy to assist repatriated individuals. The Chancellor also conferred with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) regarding the safety of undocumented Haitians, prioritizing discussions about safeguarding their status and access to identity documentation within the Dominican Republic. Concurrently, the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration announced a temporary focus on processing passport applications from individuals in the Dominican Republic, ensuring the swift handling of requests from major cities such as Santo Domingo, Santiago, Barahona, and Higuey, while still accommodating urgent applications from other regions efficiently.
The issue of mass deportations of Haitian nationals from the Dominican Republic has been a contentious topic, rooted in complex historical, social, and economic factors. The Dominican Republic has a significant population of Haitian descent, many of whom lack proper documentation. This announcement comes against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, characterized by periodic crackdowns on undocumented immigrants. The current situation raises concerns regarding human rights violations, discrimination, and the welfare of deported individuals, prompting reactions from the Haitian government and international organizations devoted to protecting human rights.
The unfolding situation concerning the announced mass deportations of Haitians from the Dominican Republic has elicited strong reactions from Haitian officials, highlighting concerns regarding human rights and the treatment of displaced individuals. The Haitian government is taking proactive steps to assist affected citizens and dialogue with international bodies, while also adjusting its immigration processes to address the crisis. This underscores the urgency of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.
Original Source: www.haitilibre.com
