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October 3, 2024 – The Haitian government has strongly criticized the recent decision by the Dominican Republic to implement mass deportations of Haitian nationals, labeling the move as discriminatory and in violation of basic human rights. The plan, announced by Dominican authorities on October 2, 2024, aims to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians per week, a significant increase from previous deportation rates.
Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Dominique Dupuy, voiced the government’s concerns in a public statement, calling on the Dominican Republic to uphold the “inalienable rights of every child, woman, and man affected by this regrettable decision.” Dupuy also emphasized the importance of respecting international treaties and agreements that protect the rights of migrants.
In response to the deportation plan, Dupuy announced that Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would convene with civil society organizations and international agencies operating in the border region to devise a strategy to support those affected. The government also plans to strengthen its diplomatic missions and consular offices in the Dominican Republic to better assist Haitian citizens facing deportation.
Surge in Deportation Numbers
The Dominican Republic’s new deportation policy is set to significantly increase the number of Haitians being expelled from the country. In 2023, an average of 20,917 Haitians were deported monthly. With the new plan, Dominican authorities aim to double that figure, targeting 40,000 deportations per month, totaling over 500,000 annually.
Dominican government officials, including President Luis Abinader, have justified the move as necessary to control irregular migration amid the ongoing crisis in Haiti, where gang violence and economic instability have pushed large numbers of people to seek refuge in neighboring countries. “The government reaffirms its commitment to protecting national sovereignty and addressing migration challenges while respecting human rights,” said Homero Figueroa, a spokesperson for the Dominican presidency.
The new measures, which include increased border security and deportation enforcement, have faced backlash from Haitian civil rights groups. The Group for the Support of Returnees and Refugees (GARR) expressed deep concern over the scale of the deportations, noting that even the previous monthly average of 23,000 deportations was considered excessive.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Response
The escalating deportations come as Haiti grapples with a worsening humanitarian crisis. Violence from armed gangs has left more than 3,600 people dead in the first half of 2024, according to the United Nations, and millions are facing food insecurity. As the Dominican Republic ramps up deportations, concerns are mounting about the humanitarian impact, particularly on border communities where displaced populations are likely to concentrate.
Sam Guillaume, a representative of GARR, warned that the mass deportations would cause significant displacement along the Haiti-Dominican Republic border, further straining already overwhelmed resources in the region. “We are likely to see large concentrations of people at the border, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis,” Guillaume said in an interview with Le Nouvelliste, urging the Haitian government to take more responsibility in addressing the situation.
International human rights organizations have also raised concerns, with some arguing that the Dominican Republic’s actions may violate the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights. Critics argue that the deportation plan could lead to violations of due process and discriminatory practices, particularly against vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Broader Implications
The mass deportations are part of a broader trend of increasingly strict migration policies implemented by the Dominican Republic under President Abinader. Since taking office in 2020, Abinader has expanded the use of military patrols at the border, increased deportations, and begun construction of a border wall to prevent illegal crossings. While these measures have been praised by nationalist groups within the Dominican Republic, they have drawn criticism from international observers and Haitian officials alike.
In addition to the immediate humanitarian concerns, the large-scale deportations are likely to place further pressure on Haiti’s fragile economy and infrastructure. With nearly half a million Haitians expelled in 2023 and an even greater number projected for 2024, the country faces mounting challenges in absorbing returning citizens, many of whom will struggle to find work and basic services in a country already plagued by instability.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Haitian government is seeking to work with international partners to mitigate the impact of the deportations. However, the scale of the crisis suggests that further tensions between the two nations are likely in the coming months.
