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Port-au-Prince, October 14, 2024 – The Haitian government has announced that it will provide medical assistance to the thousands of nationals being expelled from the Dominican Republic. The Ministry of Public Health and Population is set to deploy staff to the three main return points for deportees: Ouanaminthe, Belladère, and Anse-à-Pitre. This decision, made by the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) and interim Prime Minister Garry Conille, aims to offer support to Haitians being forcibly repatriated.
The mobilization of health workers comes in response to the Dominican Republic’s ongoing mass deportations, which have seen record numbers of Haitians being expelled. According to reports, more than 11,000 Haitians were deported in just one week, a new high that has drawn concern from Haitian authorities and international observers.
Diplomatic efforts amid escalating deportations
In parallel to the health support measures, Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Dominique Dupuy, has been actively engaging with international actors to address the mass deportations. Dupuy is currently in discussions with various stakeholders in the United States to seek assistance and raise awareness of the plight of Haitian nationals.
The deportations have sparked widespread debate within Haiti and abroad, particularly over the treatment of vulnerable groups, including children. The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the Dominican government to respect the rights of children involved in the deportation process. “The inalienable rights of all children, women, and men affected by this unfortunate decision must be respected in accordance with international treaties,” the ministry stated.
Humanitarian and security challenges
The mass deportations come at a time when Haiti is grappling with severe domestic issues. Large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, are under the control of armed gangs, and food insecurity is affecting nearly half of the population. Foreign Minister Dupuy has highlighted the dire situation, noting that gangs have taken over key areas, including the port, which has led to a 40% decrease in food imports.
Earlier this year, a multinational force led by Kenya deployed 400 troops to Haiti to help restore security, but Dupuy warns that the assistance is insufficient. She has called for additional international support to combat the gangs and stabilize the country. “We are looking at a thousand troops by the end of November, but for a population of 4 million people in the metropolitan area, this is not enough,” Dupuy said.
The struggle for dignity and hope
Dupuy has also expressed concern over how Haitians are being portrayed in international discussions, particularly in the context of U.S. political debates. She emphasized that Haitians should not be dehumanized or stripped of their dignity simply because they seek refuge abroad. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful, citing the resilience of ordinary Haitians who continue to strive for a better future.
“I see hope in the children going to school through difficult conditions, in families trying to rebuild their lives,” Dupuy said. “The only thing holding us back is poverty and lack of opportunity. This may be our last chance to save Haiti and put it on the path to sustainable development.”
