Wendy Osirus, Haiti’s ambassador in Santiago, has expressed concerns regarding the Dominican Republic’s new immigration policies that aim to repatriate 10,000 undocumented immigrants weekly. She fears these measures will empower exploitative migration agents and threaten the rights of vulnerable migrants who are increasingly living in fear of arrests and deportation. Osirus calls for a reevaluation of these policies to ensure they align with human rights and due process in light of legal protections.
In a recent statement, Wendy Osirus, the goodwill ambassador representing Haiti in Santiago, voiced her apprehensions regarding President Luis Abinader’s newly implemented immigration policies aimed at repatriating 10,000 undocumented immigrants weekly. Ambassador Osirus argued that these measures effectively sanction the harmful practices associated with migration agents who exploit vulnerable individuals seeking refuge in other countries. “I’m not worried about the trucks, I’m not worried about sending irregular Haitians to Haiti, I’m worried about the practices of the agents now that they have the blessing of the central state,” she remarked. She highlighted the heightened fear among migrants, asserting that many are reluctant to leave their homes to seek employment due to the increasing threats posed by authorities. “Migrants are more scared than ever; many do not go out to work for fear of reprisals,” she noted, emphasizing the alarming surge in arrests of undocumented individuals over the last few months. Furthermore, she expressed concern that the current rhetoric from the government grants agents undue power to infringe upon the rights of these individuals, exacerbating their vulnerability. The president of the Movement for Rights, Peace, and Global Justice (MONDHA) reiterated that while the Dominican Republic is governed by laws that do not discriminate, the government must still be cautious. The MONDHA leader urged the administration to reevaluate its stance by considering the provisions outlined in the country’s Constitution, the 1999 protocol between the Dominican Republic and Haiti regarding repatriations, as well as the Migration Law 285-04, which recognizes the contributions of thousands of Haitians who are part of the National Regularization Plan. “And it is fine, they have the right to deport all migrants, all those who are irregular, undocumented, but the Government must always think of due process,” she concluded in her appeal for a more humane approach to the issue.
The topic of immigration has emerged as a significant concern in the Dominican Republic, particularly regarding Haitian immigrants who have historically faced challenges in legal status and integration. Recent policies introduced by President Luis Abinader, which include repatriation efforts aimed at undocumented individuals, have sparked debates on human rights and the ethical considerations surrounding such actions. The statement made by Wendy Osirus sheds light on the community’s fears and the implications of these government measures on the lives of migrants, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that considers both legality and human dignity.
In summary, Wendy Osirus’s remarks highlight the complexities surrounding the Dominican Republic’s immigration policies, particularly the potential negative repercussions these may have on the rights of Haitian migrants. The call for the government to ensure due process and uphold the dignity of undocumented individuals is paramount as the nation navigates the challenges posed by immigration. There is a critical need for thoughtful dialogue and humane practices to protect vulnerable populations while addressing migration issues responsibly.
Original Source: dominicantoday.com
