The Dominican Republic is set to expel up to 10,000 Haitian migrants weekly, amid increased gang violence and humanitarian crises in Haiti. The UN cautions against such actions, citing heightened violence that has led to thousands of deaths and displacement. Human rights advocates criticize the expulsions as rooted in discrimination against Haitians, highlighting the historical context of Haitian migration and the current political response in the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic has announced a plan to expel up to 10,000 Haitian migrants weekly, a move that intensifies ongoing tensions surrounding migration amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Amid this backdrop, the United Nations has cautioned against forced returns due to rampant gang violence and instability that has resulted in significant loss of life and internal displacement. Dominican presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa stated that this operation aims to address the perceived excess of migrants within Dominican communities and will commence immediately. Recent UN reports indicate a devastating surge in gang-related violence in Haiti, with at least 3,661 fatalities recorded in the first half of 2024. The dire situation has led Haitian leaders to express their inability to combat these armed groups effectively. Currently, over 700,000 Haitians have been internally displaced as the country grapples with acute hunger affecting more than 5.4 million individuals. For years, armed gangs, often linked to political and business elites, have sought to control regions of Haiti, exacerbating instability. The Dominican Republic’s decision comes in response to what President Luis Abinader describes as the “slowness” of the international community in restoring order in Haiti, with his administration stressing the urgency of the migration issue. In 2023 alone, the Dominican authorities expunged approximately 250,000 undocumented Haitians. The newly announced plan suggests a potential expulsion figure that may exceed the actual population of Haitians residing in the Dominican Republic. This move has attracted sharp criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that the Dominican government is perpetuating a discriminatory immigration policy rooted in historic anti-Haitian sentiment. Observers note that the majority of the Dominican population identifies as mixed-race, contrasting with Haiti’s predominantly Black demographics. The fear surrounding the so-called “Haitianization” of Dominican society has informed public discourse on Haitian migration since the US occupation of Haiti in 1915. Further complicating the issue, advocates assert that the expulsion process often involves arbitrary detentions based on racial profiling, targeting individuals who display any physical resemblance to Haitians. Activists contend that such actions have led to unjust family separations, with even individuals possessing valid documents facing deportation. Elizabeth Tan, director of the UNHCR’s international protection division, recently emphasized the need for protection for Haitians, reiterating that “Haitians’ lives, safety, and freedom are threatened by a confluence of skyrocketing gang violence and human rights violations.” Calls to halt forced returns to Haiti have only intensified as the international community grapples with the complexities of migration in the context of escalating violence and humanitarian distress.
The complex dynamics of migration between Haiti and the Dominican Republic have long been underscored by historical, political, and social factors. Haiti has experienced years of turmoil characterized by gang violence and political instability, which has driven many Haitians to seek refuge in neighboring countries, primarily the Dominican Republic. The current crisis, exacerbated by rampant gang activity in Haiti and worsening humanitarian conditions, has prompted government actions in the Dominican Republic that raise significant concerns regarding human rights and discrimination against Haitian migrants. This is occurring in the context of a polarized view of migration and national identity in the Dominican Republic, which has experienced shifts in demographic composition and tensions between its mixed-race population and the predominantly Black Haitian populace. The international community, led by the United Nations, continues to advocate against forced deportations, emphasizing the ethical obligation to protect vulnerable populations.
The Dominican Republic’s plan to expel Haitian migrants poses serious ethical and humanitarian concerns amidst a worsening crisis in Haiti. While officials justify the expulsions based on perceived immigration pressures, the repercussions for those facing deportation—particularly in light of Haiti’s dire situation—remain alarming. The international community’s calls for protection and understanding towards Haitian migrants emphasize the need for compassion and a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of migration rather than punitive measures. Thus, it remains critical for the Dominican Republic and the international community to collaborate effectively in addressing these pressing humanitarian issues while upholding the rights and dignity of migrants.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
