On Tuesday, the Dominican Republic disclosed that it has deported or repatriated nearly 11,000 Haitians in the past week. This initiative aligns with the country’s commitment to carry out such operations weekly, as Haiti continues to grapple with escalating gang violence and widespread poverty.
William Charpentier, who coordinates the National Coalition for Migrations and Refugees in the Dominican Republic, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “We have received reports indicating that police are actively conducting these operations. This amounts to a persecution of Black individuals and those perceived to be Haitians.”
Recently, the Dominican Republic announced its plan to deport as many as 10,000 Haitians each week. Gandy Thomas, a prominent Haitian official, criticized the deportations, labeling them as “a discriminatory campaign against Haitians due to their nationality and skin color.”
In light of these developments, Haitian officials convened an emergency meeting at the Organization of American States (OAS). During the meeting, Gandy Thomas, the Haitian permanent representative, referred to the deportations as “a discriminatory campaign targeting Haitians because of their nationality and skin color.” He emphasized the need for dialogue and a “respectful solution,” condemning what he described as “serious abuses” inflicted on Haitians in the Dominican Republic.
“Haitian citizens in the Dominican Republic are experiencing significant violations of their rights as they seek safety and better opportunities. The international community must recognize this deportation policy for what it truly is – a discriminatory campaign rooted in nationality and skin color,” Thomas asserted.
Human rights organizations estimate that over half a million Haitians reside in the Dominican Republic, and activists warn that ongoing deportations endanger countless lives as Haiti battles severe gang violence and deteriorating economic conditions.
A United Nations-supported mission, led by Kenyan police and initiated earlier this year, is struggling with inadequate funding and personnel while attempting to address the gang crisis in Haiti.
According to the Dominican Republic government, from October 1 to October 7, a total of 7,591 individuals were deported and 3,323 were repatriated, all of whom were Haitians.
