Situation of Haitians in the Dominican Republic, MOPOD's indignation

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— The situation of Haitian nationals in the neighboring territory is increasingly alarming. The Patriotic Popular Dessalinian Movement of the Democratic Opposition (MOPOD) denounces, in a protest note, the unacceptable, highlighting cases of systematic violation of the fundamental rights of Haitian migrants.

«Inhumane treatment, arbitrary arrests, mass expulsions, acts of violence and humiliations suffered daily by Haitian migrants living on Dominican territory reflect a policy of ethnic persecution», MOPOD noted.

«The actions of the Dominican Republic violate not only the norms of international law but also the most elementary principles of justice and fraternity between neighboring peoples», MOPOD indicated, wrote the signatories of this note.

They also wish to remind the Dominican Republic of its obligation under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Convention on the rights of migrants, as well as other international instruments freely ratified by the neighboring Republic.

«We recognize that every State has the legitimate right to protect its borders and guarantee its internal security; however, this right cannot justify racist, xenophobic, or human rights-violating practices», the note recalled.

MOPOD also strongly criticizes the Haitian authorities for their complicit silence and inaction in the face of the affronts suffered by compatriots in foreign lands. Expressing concern about such behavior, MOPOD officials see it as diplomatic weakness, while expressing indignation at the total absence of support, assistance, and protection from official representatives of the Haitian State accredited in the Dominican Republic towards Haitian nationals.

For MOPOD, this inaction constitutes a serious political and moral negligence towards our compatriots, who find themselves abandoned in the face of a repressive and discriminatory system. The party calls on the Haitian authorities, through their diplomatic and consular missions, to ensure the defense of the interests of their nationals.

To stand up to the Dominicans, MOPOD calls on the CPT to take strong, coherent, and visible diplomatic measures to protect its nationals. It also calls on the international community, particularly CARICOM, the OAS, and the United Nations, to urgently address this situation.

MOPOD reaffirms its full and complete solidarity with Haitians living abroad, particularly in the Dominican Republic, and renews its unwavering commitment to a strong, sovereign national diplomacy serving the Haitian people, the note concludes.

Jean Mapou