Smaller
BiggerAbinader stands firm on deportations to Haiti, during BBC interview
President Luis Abinader exhibited a straightforward demeanor during a brief English interview with British journalist Stephen Sackur on the BBC program HARDtalk.
In the interview, Abinader was queried about potential adjustments to his government’s policy concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, the neighboring nation to the west which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.
Haiti, with a population of approximately 11.5 million, is grappling with widespread disorder and control of significant territories by criminal gangs, resulting in numerous casualties and hundreds of thousands of internally displaced individuals. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic continues its practice of deporting undocumented Haitians via the shared border.
Despite appeals from international bodies to halt deportations and provide refuge for Haitians fleeing violence, the Dominican Republic has thus far remained unmoved.
During the interview conducted on March 20, the President was questioned about the plea from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, to suspend deportations due to Haiti’s dire circumstances involving gang violence and sexual assaults. Abinader’s response was resolute: “No, we won’t. We will continue to uphold our laws and Constitution. The UN should take further action. The United States, in particular, has lagged in providing unified support to Haiti.”
Abinader emphasized that the Dominican Republic cannot be expected to resolve Haiti’s issues, reiterating concerns about the deteriorating situation in Haiti, which has been described as reminiscent of Somalia. He underscored that the Dominican Republic has long advocated for increased UN involvement, dating back to 2021.
With millions of Haitians facing food shortages and hundreds of thousands displaced due to gang violence, Abinader was asked whether his government would consider allowing some displaced individuals to seek temporary refuge within Dominican territory. His response was firm: “No, we will not, citing historical and security grounds. Haiti possesses alternative options within its own territory, such as the islands of Gonâve and Tortuga.”
Addressing criticisms of Dominican deportation practices amid the crisis, Abinader defended his country’s actions, stating, “We are simply enforcing our laws, much like other nations including the Bahamas, Jamaica, the United States, and Canada. Allegations of racism within the Dominican Republic are unfounded, given our diverse population composition.”
Abinader concluded by reiterating the Dominican Republic’s commitment to border security and adherence to international law, emphasizing that expecting his country to shoulder additional burdens regarding Haiti is unjustified without broader international action.
Source: BBC Mundo
The news in the Listin today, April 22, says the UN is sponsoring through the International Organization for Migration a center in Veron (Punta Cana) for care, referral, and resources for migrants. This will open a Pandoras Box. The UN is possibly seeking to claim the migrants are refugies. If they, the Haitians, have refugie status they cannot be deported.
Interesting, I did not hear of this news.
You have to learn how to read and decode information from the Dominican news media. The story can be ambiguous. It reads like there is going to be a settlement camp for refugee Haitians at a time when they are exposed to the violence that is overcoming their country. It is anyone’s guess. The reality may be the camp is for Haitians, the longtime inhabitants, of Veron & Friusa (Punta Cana). They need to have a place to go to take care of their personal and official necessities that otherwise would be disregarded because they are Haitian.
Yes, just heard Canada is involved in this. Listen, they are saddeling that problem, responsibilty on the Dominican Republic. France and Canada and the US don’t want the Haitiens they have nothing to gain from them, they have nothing to offer.
“IOM cancels opening of center for migrants in Punta Cana” is the most recent story in DT, 22 of March.
A little bit of compassion would have been better suited to the image of the Dominican Republic which enjoys a trade surplus with Haiti of nearly $1 billion dollars .
John, the “image” that the international community has of DR is exactly the opposite of Haiti. More secure, politically stable, with significant economic potential. My heart goes to all the ones affected by this crisis. Unfortunately, Haiti seems to be in a never ending state of chaos. Getting involved is very risky and could potentially “rope” the DR perpetually into Haiti’s state of emergency.
You know John tell that to the French Canada or the US.
How many Haitians are you supporting, how many Haitians chilsren are you providing education for.
Tell me and show proof then you can TALK about comapssion.
I appreciate the leadership of Luis.
What the world needs to understand, is that the Dominican Republic owes Haiti nothing; those that owe Haiti reparations, and continuing help are: France, Canada and the United States for destroying Haiti as a viable and prosperous country. As we all should know the French, impose monetary penalties on Haiti, to pay for their freedom.
The Dominican Republic has played no part in Haiti’s calamities, misfortunes nor history. We are a separate country different cullture, religion and way of life, a peaceful generous people and country with a modest economy, by no means wealthy nation to take care, of another entire Country who with women that pratice no birth control and, have babies like rabbits, in three hospital beds in Maternity Wards are Dominican Women, and twelve beds there are Haitians. .
Haiti has many, many, wealthy, millonaires living in Haiti’s mansions, and the USA florida. Why don’t they help their fellow men, we all know its being said they are behind the chaos, in Haiti, alledgedly behind their president assassination, and coup d’ etats.
DR has been dealing with this situation for years now.