Dominican Republic Initiates Weekly Deportations of Undocumented Haitians
The Dominican Republic has announced a plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly, underlining a significant measure to manage migration pressures. This strategy arises from troubling conditions in Haiti, the deployment of an international stabilization force, and the Dominican government’s established border security measures. President Abinader’s administration has already deported 250,000 Haitians in 2023 alone.
On October 2, 2023, the Dominican Republic announced its initiative to commence the deportation of 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants each week as part of an extensive measure to address the ongoing migration crisis from Haiti. According to presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa, this operation aims to alleviate the overwhelming presence of migrants in Dominican territories, stating, “This operation aims to reduce the excessive migrant populations detected in Dominican communities.” It has been emphasized that the deportations will be executed promptly and with adherence to rigorous protocols to uphold human rights standards. This decision arises amid concerns regarding the international community’s inadequate progress in stabilizing Haiti, a country significantly plagued by violence and gang control. Recently, a United Nations-approved force, primarily led by Kenya, has been deployed to Haiti to restore order, albeit with delays that prompted the Dominican Republic to act independently. President Luis Abinader underscored the urgency of the situation by declaring, “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 taking office in 2020, President Abinader has adopted a stringent approach toward migration from Haiti, which includes the construction of a 164-kilometer (102-mile) wall along the border and a commitment to expand this barrier following his re-election in May. Furthermore, his administration has intensified deportations, expelling a total of 250,000 undocumented Haitians in the year 2023 alone.
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, a nation currently experiencing severe socio-economic turmoil exacerbated by rampant gang violence. This instability has led to significant migratory pressure as individuals flee Haiti in search of safety and better living conditions. The increasing flow of migrants into the Dominican Republic has raised concerns regarding resource allocation and public safety, prompting the government to adopt an assertive policy on immigration and national security. The government’s recent decision to deport a substantial number of undocumented migrants is part of a broader attempt to regain control over the migration situation and respond to both local and regional pressures.
In conclusion, the Dominican Republic’s recent declaration to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians per week reflects a decisive response to both internal and external challenges posed by migration from Haiti. This initiative underscores the country’s commitment to securing its borders while addressing humanitarian concerns, all within the context of the ongoing instability in Haiti and the responsibilities of the international community. As the situation progresses, it remains to be seen how the government will balance the need for security with the imperative to uphold human rights in its deportation processes.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
