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SANTO DOMINGO (Haiti Wire) – Tensions over Haitian migration in the Dominican Republic continue to escalate, as activists defending the rights of Haitian descendants face increasing threats. Protests and marches both in favor of and against Haitian migrants have sparked heated debates across the country, reflecting a deep-rooted division on issues of nationality and migration.
On September 23, a group of Haitian activists demonstrated in front of the National Palace in Santo Domingo, demanding Dominican nationality for those born in the country to undocumented Haitian parents. The protest marked the 11th anniversary of the Constitutional Court ruling 168-13, which revoked the citizenship of individuals born between 1929 and 2010 to parents in the country illegally. Days later, a counter-protest was organized by the nationalist group Antigua Orden Dominicana, opposing illegal migration from Haiti.
The 2013 ruling significantly impacted the Dominican Republic’s approach to migration, affecting an estimated 200,000 people of Haitian descent. The government has maintained that its laws adhere to the principle of jus sanguinis(citizenship by descent), not jus soli (citizenship by birth on the territory), excluding children of undocumented migrants from Dominican nationality. While international bodies have criticized the ruling, Dominican authorities defend their stance, citing the country’s sovereign right to regulate its borders and nationality.
Rising Threats to Human Rights Defenders
In the context of these protests, human rights defenders have come under increasing attack. Activists advocating for Haitian descendants have reported threats and violence, with many describing a hostile environment fueled by nationalist rhetoric. Maribel Núñez, a prominent Afro-Dominican activist, recounted being assaulted at a protest, and Ramón Veras, a lawyer known for defending Haitian migrants, received death threats for his work.
Activists claim the government has failed to provide adequate protection against such threats, which are often issued by nationalist and ultraconservative groups. These groups oppose migration reforms and have been accused of xenophobic behavior. The Antigua Orden Dominicana, one of the most vocal organizations, is known for its stance against Haitian immigration, which it views as a threat to Dominican sovereignty.
Luis Abinader, the Dominican president, has maintained a hardline approach on migration, promising to tighten border security and increase deportations. His administration has defended its policies as necessary for national security, but critics argue this stance fosters an atmosphere of hostility towards migrants and those who defend their rights.
Historical Context and Current Crisis
The tension over Haitian migration has its roots in the shared history of the island of Hispaniola, divided between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The Dominican Republic’s migration policies have long been influenced by concerns over the economic and social impact of Haitian migration. For many Dominicans, the issue of Haitian immigration is intertwined with national identity and sovereignty, particularly as Haiti struggles with ongoing political and economic instability.
Despite efforts to regulate migration, many Haitians continue to enter the Dominican Republic both legally, when border restrictions are not enforced, and illegally, often in search of better opportunities. Some enter through human trafficking networks, while others reportedly pay bribes to Dominican soldiers for passage. This influx has placed increasing pressure on the country’s resources. Meanwhile, human rights organizations are advocating for the recognition of Haitian descendants born in the Dominican Republic, many of whom they argue remain stateless due to the nation’s strict nationality laws.
