The Dominican Republic announced a plan to expel 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants each week in response to increasing migrant populations and instability in Haiti. The operation will adhere to strict human rights protocols, aiming to address the country’s growing concerns about migration amidst ongoing gang violence and economic challenges in Haiti. President Abinader has reiterated the government’s tough stance on immigration and the need for effective international support for Haiti.
On October 2, 2024, the Dominican Republic announced a significant plan aimed at expelling 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants each week. This initiative represents a continuation of the government’s firm stance against migration from Haiti, which is facing severe instability due to rampant gang violence. Presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa emphasized that the expulsion process will adhere to strict protocols to uphold human rights during its execution. The Dominican government’s decision comes in response to what it perceives as a lack of timely international intervention in restoring order in Haiti, particularly following the deployment of a UN-approved force led by Kenya. President Luis Abinader stated, “We warned at the United Nations that either it and all the countries that had committed themselves (to helping Haiti) act responsibly in Haiti, or we will.” The current plan aims to more than double the number of deportations, totaling over 500,000 Haitians living in the Dominican Republic, according to government statistics. The administration has escalated efforts to identify and dismantle human trafficking networks and has pledged to enhance surveillance of the border. Historically, the Dominican Republic, which occupies two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, has had a complicated relationship with Haiti, leading to tensions surrounding economic migration. Many Haitians migrate to the Dominican Republic in search of better opportunities, particularly as their homeland has struggled with ongoing crises since the catastrophic earthquake in 2010. Currently, gang-related violence in Haiti has resulted in over 3,600 deaths this year alone, with more than 700,000 individuals displaced, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration. The Dominican Republic’s approach has drawn criticism for allegations of discrimination and human rights violations against Haitian immigrants.
The Dominican Republic shares a land border with Haiti, and historically, the relationship has been fraught with tension due to differing economic realities and cultural distinctions. Currently, Haiti grapples with a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by gang violence and economic collapse. This has resulted in large numbers of Haitians seeking refuge in their more prosperous neighbor, the Dominican Republic. In response, the Dominican government has enforced stringent migration policies, including building barriers and ramping up deportations. The recent announcement to expel a substantial number of undocumented migrants continues the trajectory of President Luis Abinader’s administration, which aims to manage the migrant influx while addressing the perceived inadequacies of international support for Haiti.
The Dominican Republic’s unveiling of a plan to expel 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly marks a critical development in its immigration policy and response to the ongoing crisis in Haiti. This measure reflects the government’s commitment to manage migration more strictly amidst an inadequate international response to Haiti’s instability. The operation raises significant questions about human rights and the treatment of migrants, underscoring the complexities surrounding regional migration and humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
