On Wednesday, the Dominican Republic announced a significant escalation in its efforts to deport Haitian migrants living illegally within its borders, with plans to expel up to 10,000 individuals per week. This decision stems from concerns over an “excess” of Haitian migrants, a situation exacerbated by ongoing violence and instability in Haiti.
Homero Figueroa, a spokesperson for the Dominican government, explained that the increase in Haitian migration has coincided with the failures of a police mission in Haiti aimed at combating gang violence. The Dominican government has also indicated intentions to enhance border surveillance and control, although specific measures were not detailed.
In 2022, the Dominican Republic deported over 174,000 individuals it identified as Haitians. In the first half of 2023 alone, the government reported the expulsion of at least 67,000 more individuals.
Activists and human rights organizations have voiced strong criticisms of President Luis Abinader’s administration, alleging that its immigration policies reflect systemic discrimination against Haitians and those of Haitian descent born in the Dominican Republic. These groups argue that the deportations are part of a broader pattern of human rights violations.
President Abinader has rejected claims of mistreatment, defending the government’s actions.
The announcement follows Abinader’s recent speech at the UN General Assembly, where he warned of potential “drastic measures” if the international mission in Haiti continues to falter. Currently, gangs reportedly control approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, resulting in significant displacement and hardship for the Haitian population. In recent years, violence has rendered nearly 700,000 Haitians homeless, prompting many to seek refuge in neighboring countries, including the Dominican Republic.
Recommendations for Further Monitoring:
- Monitor the humanitarian impact of mass deportations on both Haitian migrants and the communities in the Dominican Republic.
- Assess the responses from international organizations regarding human rights conditions and potential interventions.
- Track developments related to the situation in Haiti, especially regarding gang violence and government stability.
