The situation for Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic has worsened in recent weeks due to increased deportations. With nearly 11,000 expulsions in just one week, tensions between the two nations of Hispaniola have escalated. The Dominican government’s plan to deport up to 10,000 Haitians per week, citing an “excessive migrant population,” marks a severe immigration policy shift in the country.

Amid complaints of police brutality and lack of respect for human rights, Haiti urgently called for a meeting with the OAS. This meeting condemned the deportations as ethnic cleansing and discriminatory, prompting calls for justice for repatriated Haitians.

Human rights organizations join the call

The persecution and mistreatment of Haitians in the Dominican Republic have sparked viral videos and urgent calls for mass exodus due to growing insecurity. Demonstrations in the Dominican Republic have called for stricter measures on expulsion, raising safety concerns for Haitians.

Caught between two crises

The situation for Haitian migrants is dire both in the Dominican Republic and in Haiti, where armed gangs propagate violence. Reports of extortion, abuse, and forced recruitment of minors have placed migrants in a precarious position. Efforts to address the humanitarian crisis are complicated by resource constraints.

The migration crisis has strained relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with Haitians facing a difficult choice between safety and uncertainty. Collaboration with international partners is ongoing to address the needs of deportees, but challenges persist in the face of deep-rooted issues.

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