UDC leader rejects IACHR criticism of Dominican migration policies

Santo Domingo.- Luis Acosta Moreta, president of the Christian Democratic Union (UDC), criticized the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) for what he described as “interventionist” statements regarding Haitian migration in the Dominican Republic. He asserted that, as a sovereign nation, the country has the right to determine the conditions under which undocumented immigrants may remain.

Known as “Luis el Gallo,” Acosta Moreta rejected the IACHR’s claims of mistreatment, racial discrimination, and abuse against Haitians during detention and deportation, calling them “gross lies.” He stressed that deportations are conducted in compliance with Dominican law and with respect for human rights, praising the General Directorate of Migration for its “exemplary work” in carrying out arrests nationwide.

Acosta Moreta urged that the deportation campaign continue across the country to control undocumented migration. He also reminded the IACHR and the Organization of American States (OAS) that, according to the Dominican Constitution, children of undocumented immigrants born in the country are not Dominican citizens, but Haitian nationals who are also considered irregular migrants.