Dominican Republic Implements Plan to Deport 10,000 Undocumented Haitians Weekly
The Dominican Republic has announced a plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly, with operations set to begin immediately. This initiative reflects concerns over large migrant populations amid ongoing instability in Haiti, exacerbated by gang violence. The government’s actions come in response to perceived inaction by the international community and include strict protocols to uphold human rights during the process.
On October 2, 2023, the Dominican Republic announced its decision to initiate a substantial deportation campaign aimed at removing 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants per week. This significant measure arises amid growing concerns over the high numbers of undocumented individuals in Dominican communities, as articulated by presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa. He assured that these expulsions would commence “immediately” and would be conducted in accordance with strict protocols to uphold human rights protections. The Dominican government attributes its recent course of action to the perceived inaction of the international community regarding the ongoing instability in Haiti, which has been severely affected by violence related to gang activities. In this context, a UN-approved peacekeeping force led by Kenya has been deployed to assist in restoring order. During a statement to the United Nations, President Luis Abinader articulated his government’s position, emphasizing, “We warned at the United Nations that either it and all the countries that had committed themselves act responsibly in Haiti, or we will.” Since the inception of his administration in 2020, President Abinader has adopted stringent measures concerning migration from Haiti, including the construction of a 164-kilometer wall between the nations. Following his re-election in May, he has committed to extending this barrier and has intensified deportation efforts, with an alarming total of 250,000 undocumented Haitians expelled in 2023 alone.
The situation in the Dominican Republic regarding undocumented Haitians is deeply intertwined with the ongoing crisis in Haiti. The persistence of violence and instability in Haiti has led to a significant influx of migrants seeking refuge in the Dominican Republic. This migration trend has prompted the Dominican government to respond with increasingly robust measures to manage its border and maintain public order. The construction of physical barriers and the acceleration of deportations underline the urgency and seriousness with which the Dominican administration is addressing this issue. Furthermore, international efforts, such as the recent deployment of a Kenyan-led peacekeeping force, highlight the broader geopolitical context influencing migration patterns between the two countries.
In conclusion, the Dominican Republic’s aggressive plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians per week underscores the challenges posed by regional instability and the government’s commitment to addressing migration issues through stringent measures. President Abinader’s administration seeks to mitigate the impacts of ongoing chaos in Haiti while remaining critical of international efforts to restore order. The situation remains dynamic as both nations and the international community respond to the palpable pressures of migration and security.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
