The Haitian government has reacted to the Dominican Republic’s announcement of mass deportations of undocumented Haitians, potentially affecting up to 10,000 individuals weekly. Chancellor Dominique Dupuy emphasized the need for respect for human rights and outlined measures to support affected citizens through enhanced diplomatic and consular efforts, alongside discussions with the UNHCR concerning migrant safety.
In response to the Dominican Republic’s recent declaration regarding a mass deportation of Haitian nationals residing unlawfully within its borders, the Haitian Foreign Minister, Dominique Dupuy, has publicly addressed the situation. On October 2, 2024, the Dominican authorities announced a scheme that could lead to the deportation of up to 10,000 Haitians each week. Minister Dupuy emphasized the need for the Dominican government to respect the inalienable rights of all individuals affected by this decision, highlighting the importance of adhering to international treaties and agreements that safeguard human rights. To assist its citizens, the Haitian government plans to enhance the operational capacity of its diplomatic and consular missions in the Dominican Republic. The Minister of Haitians Living Abroad, who concurrently holds the foreign affairs portfolio, is scheduled to engage with civil society organizations and international agencies in the border region to develop a strategy aimed at effectively supporting those who are repatriated. Furthermore, Chancellor Dupuy has conferred with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to address the safety of undocumented Haitians in the Dominican Republic and to assess the situation regarding internally displaced persons. Their discussion involved exploring assistance avenues, particularly concerning access to identity documentation for Haitian nationals. In an effort to improve service delivery, the Haitian Directorate of Immigration and Emigration announced that the processing of passport applications will be prioritized for those residing in the Dominican Republic, specifically areas such as Santo Domingo, Santiago, Barahona, and Higuey, while still accommodating urgent applications from other jurisdictions.
The current situation stems from the Dominican Republic’s implementation of stringent immigration measures targeting undocumented Haitian migrants. This issue is a recurrent theme in Caribbean migration, with historical tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic often arising due to economic disparities, migration patterns, and xenophobia. As thousands of Haitians face the risk of deportation, the need for diplomatic interventions and support mechanisms becomes critical, both for humanitarian considerations and international obligations regarding human rights.
In summary, the Haitian government, led by Chancellor Dominique Dupuy, has officially reacted to the Dominican Republic’s planned mass deportations of Haitian nationals, advocating for the protection of their rights. Efforts to strengthen diplomatic support and enhance the capacity of consular services are underway to assist affected individuals. Additionally, discussions with international bodies are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of migrants, illustrating the complexity of the migration issue in the region.
Original Source: www.haitilibre.com
