The Dominican Republic has announced a plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly, aiming to manage the increasing migrant populations in response to the ongoing instability in Haiti. This initiative follows the construction of a border wall and is a part of a broader strategy marked by significant increases in deportations under President Luis Abinader’s administration.
On October 2, the Dominican Republic announced a significant initiative to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly as part of a stringent response to the ongoing migration crisis stemming from Haiti. Presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa articulated that this plan is fundamentally aimed at curtailing the overwhelming migrant population within Dominican territories. He emphasized that the deportations will commence immediately and will adhere to strict protocols meant to uphold human rights standards. The decision was taken in response to the perceived sluggishness of the international community in addressing the instability in Haiti, which has been severely affected by gang violence. In light of this situation, a UN-sanctioned force, led by Kenya, has been deployed to assist in restoring order in Haiti, following a protracted period of inaction. President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic remarked, “We warned at the United Nations that either it and all the countries that had committed themselves act responsibly in Haiti, or we will.” His administration has maintained a firm stance on the issue of Haitian migration since he assumed office in 2020, notably erecting a 164-kilometer (102-mile) concrete barrier along the border and pledging its extension should he secure re-election in May. Furthermore, the government has accelerated deportation efforts, expelling approximately 250,000 undocumented Haitians in the year 2023 alone.
This recent announcement regarding the deportation of undocumented Haitians follows an escalation in tensions due to the deteriorating socio-political conditions in Haiti. The Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has experienced a significant influx of migrants fleeing violence and poverty. The Dominican government asserts that the increased migration poses challenges to local communities, necessitating a robust response. The backdrop of this action includes the establishment of a concrete wall along the border to regulate crossings and the international community’s delayed actions concerning stabilization efforts in Haiti. The involvement of a UN-led intervention aims to restore security in Haiti but has been met with criticism for its slow pace, prompting the Dominican administration to take unilateral measures.
In summary, the Dominican Republic has initiated a plan for the systematic deportation of undocumented Haitians, reflecting its firm stance on immigration in response to the domestic challenges posed by increased migration from Haiti. This strategy is coupled with the government’s commitment to ensuring the deportations are conducted with respect for human rights. The backdrop includes significant socio-economic challenges in Haiti and the delayed response from the international community, compelling the Dominican government to act decisively.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
