December 23, 2024
The Groupe d’appui aux rapatriés et réfugiés (GARR) has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of deportations of Haitian migrants orchestrated by Dominican authorities between October 1 and October 22, 2024. During this period, 19,701 Haitians were repatriated, a situation that GARR firmly condemns due to the blatant violations of the migrants’ rights.
In an official statement, GARR highlighted the inhumane conditions that Haitians face during their detention and deportation. The organization reported severe physical abuse inflicted on migrants, especially within detention centers in the Dominican Republic. Women, in particular, are vulnerable to sexual assault and other forms of mistreatment, sparking widespread indignation.
GARR reminds that these mass deportations contradict international conventions and the repatriation agreement signed between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Consequently, the organization is calling for immediate intervention to ensure that the rights of Haitian migrants are upheld and urges Dominican authorities to cease these practices.
These events reveal the critical situation faced by Haitian migrants, who are exposed to abuse and deplorable living conditions during deportation operations, underscoring the urgent need to protect their rights in this challenging context.