Haiti’s Response to Dominican Republic’s Mass Deportation of Haitian Nationals
Haitian Chancellor Dominique Dupuy has responded to the Dominican Republic’s announcement of mass deportations of Haitians, affirming the need to respect their rights and enhance consular support. Ongoing dialogues with the UNHCR and prioritization of passport services indicate efforts to support affected individuals.
In response to the recent announcement from the Dominican Republic regarding a mass deportation of Haitian nationals residing illegally within its borders, Dominique Dupuy, the Haitian Chancellor, articulated the country’s stance on the matter. The Dominican authorities declared on October 2nd, 2024, plans to expel up to 10,000 Haitians weekly under what has been described as discriminatory measures. Chancellor Dupuy emphasized the necessity of honoring the fundamental rights of every individual affected by this unfortunate decision, adhering to international laws and agreements that govern such situations. Mr. Dupuy further stated, “We will accelerate the strengthening of the capacities of our Diplomatic Mission and our Consular Posts in order to assist our fellow citizens in the Dominican Republic with dignity.” He also noted that the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad would convene with civil society groups and international organizations operating in border regions to formulate a strategy to support repatriated citizens. Moreover, discussions between Chancellor Dupuy and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) revolved around the issues facing undocumented Haitian migrants, particularly concerning their safety and access to identity documents. In a related administrative adjustment, the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration announced that passport services would be prioritized for applications submitted from the Dominican Republic while still addressing urgent requests from other areas to enhance service efficiency.
The backdrop of this situation lies in the ongoing migratory tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which have historically been strained due to economic disparities and social issues. The Dominican government’s recent decisions to enforce stricter immigration control, including mass deportations, have sparked significant humanitarian concerns. The Haitian government is now taking steps to protect its citizens’ rights while also enhancing support structures for those affected, underscoring the complexities of migration and diplomatic relations in the region.
In summary, the Haitian government, led by Chancellor Dominique Dupuy, is actively addressing the mass deportation of Haitian nationals from the Dominican Republic, advocating for the protection of their rights in accordance with international norms. The government’s initiatives to bolster consular support and engage with international organizations reflect a commitment to the wellbeing of its citizens abroad. It remains crucial for both nations to navigate this situation with care to avoid exacerbating existing migratory challenges.
Original Source: www.haitilibre.com
