Last week, Sherline Celiscar, Consul of Haiti in Santiago, Dominican Republic, leading a delegation from the Consulate, met with the 41 Haitian detainees (35 men and 6 women) of the Rafey Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Santiago.

In addition to providing hygiene kits, the Consulate intends to take steps to ensure ongoing dialogue with those in charge, aimed at ensuring respect for the rights of Haitians.

During discussions with the detainees, Consul Celiscar took the opportunity to gather impressions on the conditions of detention, the humanitarian and legal situation and identify urgent needs.

In addition, the detainees were entitled to personal assistance where each grievance was listed for guaranteed follow-up. The discussions were filled with emotion where the detainees expressed their gratitude. Despite being locked up, some who do not receive visits, not even from their relatives due to their migratory situation, welcomed the Consulate's initiative. Others welcomed the work of the Consulate, in particular the strengthening of the interpreter service that can help them in the judicial processes.

On the other hand, the prison authorities were open to dialogue that focused on the conditions of detention of Haitians and their needs, among other things. The Consulate drew the attention of local authorities to certain suffering compatriots who required special treatment. Also, assistance in the Courts but above all maintaining a distribution and a frequent visit in order to ensure the protection of the rights of each compatriot were discussed

IH/ iciHaïti