Santo Domingo.- In response to the United Nations Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) appeal for the Dominican Republic to admit Haitian refugees fleeing their homeland, Vice President Raquel Peña reiterated that the resolution to the crisis does not lie within the borders of the Dominican Republic.
Vice President Peña’s stance echoes President Luis Abinader’s sentiments, who has consistently emphasized that the solution to Haiti’s socio-political turmoil cannot be found within the Dominican territory.
Peña underscored President Abinader’s proactive engagement with the international community since assuming office in 2020, urging concerted efforts to address Haiti’s escalating crisis, marked by rampant violence and the proliferation of armed gangs.
“The international community is now witnessing the dire situation in Haiti, and we hope they will make informed decisions,” remarked Vice President Peña, who is also President Abinader’s running mate, advocating for measures that best serve the plight of those enduring hardships in Haiti.
In recent days, the UNHCR has urged Dominican authorities to consider admitting Haitian nationals as refugees and halt mass deportations to safeguard the vulnerable individuals fleeing violence and turmoil.
In response to this proposal, President Abinader firmly rejected the suggestion, affirming that deportations of Haitians to their homeland will continue in accordance with existing migration laws and with due respect for human dignity.