The Dominican Republic plans to deport as many as 10,000 Haitian migrants weekly amidst severe gang violence in Haiti, despite UN calls against forced returns. Rights groups criticize these expulsions as racially motivated and damaging, highlighting historical discrimination against Haitians in the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic has announced a plan to expel as many as 10,000 Haitian migrants each week, despite a United Nations (UN) advisory against forced repatriations due to ongoing violent gang activity in Haiti. Presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa indicated that this initiative is intended to address what the government perceives as an excessive migrant population in Dominican communities. The deportations are set to commence immediately, following alarming reports from the UN regarding the severe humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where over 3,661 individuals were killed in gang-related violence during the first half of 2024 and more than 700,000 people have been internally displaced. Haiti has long suffered from systemic violence primarily driven by armed groups that often maintain connections with political and economic elites. The situation deteriorated sharply in February 2024, culminating in increased attacks on prisons and institutions, which incited significant political upheaval, including the resignation of the Prime Minister. As global support, including funding for the UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission, remains insufficient, the Dominican government has opted to take matters into its own hands regarding migration control. President Luis Abinader emphasized the sluggishness of international responses, stating that if the UN and other nations do not act to stabilize Haiti, the Dominican Republic would intervene unilaterally. Critics of these expulsions argue that they reflect a deeply ingrained anti-Haitian sentiment within the Dominican Republic, which has historically faced issues of racial discrimination. Activists have claimed that these deportations result in family separations and the unjust treatment of long-standing residents, underscoring a need for a humanitarian approach rather than a punitive one in addressing migration. Amidst these expulsions, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has urged governments worldwide to halt the forced return of Haitians, citing an urgent need for refugee protection given the escalating violence and human rights violations plaguing Haiti.
The Dominican Republic shares its territory with Haiti on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, and has been a destination for many Haitians fleeing violence, instability, and poverty. The current situation in Haiti is dire, with rampant gang violence leading to significant loss of life and widespread displacement. The UN has been vocal about the need for humane treatment of migrants and has cautioned against deportations that endanger lives. The ongoing crisis in Haiti is compounded by historical patterns of discrimination faced by Haitians in the Dominican Republic, which have influenced both public opinion and government policies regarding migration.
In summary, the Dominican Republic’s planned expulsion of up to 10,000 Haitian migrants per week raises serious humanitarian concerns amid ongoing gang violence and instability in Haiti. This initiative reflects the Dominican government’s frustration with the international community’s lack of response to Haiti’s crisis and highlights the complex dynamics of migration, race, and national identity. Rights advocates warn that these actions may lead to further discrimination and suffering among Haitian migrants, reinforcing the need for international oversight and protection.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
