Wendy Osirus, Haiti’s goodwill ambassador in Santiago, criticized Dominican President Luis Abinader’s new immigration policy to repatriate 10,000 undocumented immigrants per week. He argued that such measures empower problematic migration agents and contribute to the fear among migrants. Osirus called for adherence to human rights and legal norms while recognizing the contributions of Haitians in the Dominican Republic.
In a recent statement, Wendy Osirus, the goodwill ambassador for Haiti in Santiago, expressed profound concerns regarding the newly announced measures by Dominican President Luis Abinader, which seek to repatriate up to 10,000 undocumented immigrants weekly. Osirus has referred to these actions as unwittingly granting “the blessing” to migration agents known for their destructive practices. During his address, Osirus commented, “I’m not worried about the trucks, I’m not worried about sending irregular Haitians to Haiti, I’m worried about the practices of the agents now that they have the blessing of the central state.” He voiced alarm over the escalating fear among migrants, noting that many individuals refrain from seeking employment out of fear of reprisals stemming from intensified enforcement measures. “Migrants are more scared than ever; many do not go out to work for fear of reprisals,” he emphasized, highlighting the increase in arrests targeting undocumented individuals over recent months. Osirus maintained that the current situation is alarming, warning that with the prevailing rhetoric, migration agents feel increasingly empowered to infringe upon the rights of undocumented individuals. Furthermore, he pointed out that the Dominican Republic operates as a state of law, where its legal framework is intended to be impartial and devoid of discrimination. Osirus urged the government to reassess its policies, emphasizing the need for adherence to the Constitution, the 1999 protocol on repatriation between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as well as the Migration Law 285-04, alongside recognizing the contributions of the thousands of Haitians who have participated in the National Regularization Plan, of whom 98% are contributing to the Dominican economy. While acknowledging the Dominican government’s right to deport undocumented migrants, he insisted on the necessity of ensuring due process in these matters, underlining that, “the Government must always think of due process.”
The statement from Wendy Osirus arises against a backdrop of heightened tensions regarding the treatment of undocumented migrants in the Dominican Republic, particularly Haitians. In recent months, the Dominican government has intensified its migration enforcement actions, prompting fears among migrant communities. The legal rights and human dignities of undocumented individuals are hotly debated, especially in the context of the ongoing discussions surrounding migration laws and human rights frameworks in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Osirus’s role and his organization’s advocacy underscore concerns about potential abuses by migration agents and the balance between immigration enforcement and human rights protections.
In conclusion, Wendy Osirus has raised critical concerns about recent immigration measures in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and adherence to legal principles. He advocates for a reconsideration of government policies to ensure that the rights of undocumented migrants are respected, arguing that while deportations can be carried out, they must follow due legal processes to prevent abuses and injustices perpetrated by migration agents. The implications of these measures, coupled with the urgent need for protective legal frameworks, remain pivotal in addressing the challenges faced by Haitian migrants in the region.
Original Source: dominicantoday.com
