Dominican Republic Rejects U.S. Report Accusing Country of Violating Haitian Rights

The Dominican government has expressed astonishment at the "aggressive and unfounded tone" of a report by the U.S. Department of State that accused the country of violating the human rights of Haitians. Government spokesman Homero Figueroa stated that the report does not reflect the current reality of human rights in the Dominican Republic and that the government remains committed to respecting human rights.

The report allegedly cited the "mass expulsion" of Haitians and the closure of the border with Haiti in September 2023, which led to the suspension of the issuance or renewal of residence permits, visas, and asylum application certificates for Haitian migrants and persons of Haitian descent, including stateless persons. The Dominican government has stated that it is willing to engage in constructive dialogue with the U.S. about any legitimate concerns in this area.

Why this matters: The accusations made in the U.S. report have the potential to strain relations between the Dominican Republic and the United States. The Dominican government's strong rejection of the report's findings highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding migration and human rights issues in the region.

Haitian and Dominican officials have worked together to address migration and border management issues, and the two countries maintain generally positive relations. The article suggests that the U.S. report was politically motivated and did not accurately represent the security situation between the two nations.

Figueroa reiterated the Dominican government's commitment to respecting human rights, stating, "The report does not reflect the current reality of human rights in the Dominican Republic." The government has expressed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the U.S. regarding any legitimate concerns in this area, emphasizing the importance of accurate and fair reporting on the complex issues surrounding migration and human rights in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Dominican govt rejects "aggressive" U.S. report on Haitian rights violations.
• Report cited mass expulsions, border closures, and suspension of Haitian visas.
• Dominican govt willing to engage in dialogue on legitimate concerns.
• Accusations may strain U.S.-Dominican relations, but migration issues are complex.
• Dominican govt reaffirms commitment to human rights, disputes report's accuracy.