Haiti Responds to Dominican Republic’s Mass Deportation Plans

Haiti’s Chancellor, Dominique Dupuy, has responded to the Dominican Republic’s announcement of mass deportations targeting Haitian nationals, emphasizing the need to uphold their rights under international law. Efforts will be made to bolster diplomatic support and facilitate assistance for repatriated individuals, amid discussions with international bodies regarding the safety and welfare of Haitians in the Dominican Republic. Passport applications from Haiti in the Dominican Republic will also be prioritized.

In response to the Dominican Republic’s announcement regarding the mass deportation of Haitian nationals residing in an irregular migratory status, Haiti’s Chancellor, Dominique Dupuy, expressed significant concern. On October 2, 2024, Dominican authorities indicated plans for the expulsion of up to 10,000 Haitian individuals each week. Chancellor Dupuy emphasized the necessity of adhering to the fundamental rights of all individuals impacted by this decision, aligning with pertinent international treaties and agreements. Moreover, he stated that efforts will be intensified to strengthen the capabilities of Haitian diplomatic and consular missions to provide adequate support for Haitians in the Dominican Republic. Dupuy also noted a forthcoming meeting with civil society organizations and international agencies operating in the border regions to strategize on effective assistance for repatriated individuals. Discussions have also been held with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees regarding the safety and circumstances of undocumented Haitians within Dominican territory. Focused on enhancing access to identity documentation for these individuals, these discussions highlight the urgency of addressing the plight of internally displaced persons alongside the safety of migrants. Concurrently, the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration has announced a temporary prioritization of passport applications from Haitian nationals in the Dominican Republic. This initiative is intended to streamline the processing of applications from regions such as Santo Domingo, Santiago, Barahona, and Higuey, while still accommodating emergency requests from elsewhere.

The current situation arises amidst ongoing tensions regarding Haitian migration into the Dominican Republic. The Dominican authorities’ decision to conduct mass deportations stems from longstanding issues related to undocumented immigration, which has often been a source of controversy in the region. Haiti’s government is now responding to these developments, seeking to safeguard the rights of its citizens while managing the implications of such deportations on both the individuals affected and broader bilateral relations.

The Haitian government is actively addressing the mass deportation plans announced by the Dominican Republic, advocating for the rights and dignity of Haitians affected by these measures. Strengthening diplomatic resources and coordinating with international organizations are crucial steps being undertaken to support repatriated individuals and enhance their safety. Moreover, the prioritization of passport services for Haitians in the Dominican Republic highlights the urgency of addressing the needs of this population in the wake of the anticipated deportations.

Original Source: www.haitilibre.com