The bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti reject the abuses against Haitians deported following the mass expulsion measures announced on October 3rd, 2024 by President Abinader, with the aim of repatriating up to 10,000 Haitians in an irregular migratory situation per week https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43334-haiti-flashrepatriation-of-10-000-haitians-per-week-the-great-hunt-has-begun-in-the-dominican-rep.html

Abinader had assured that these deportations would be carried out "according to strict protocols that guarantee respect for the human rights and dignity of the returnees."

"Even if it is up to the authorities of each Nation to strengthen, when necessary, the security and economic systems of their country, the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights do not authorize any State to mistreat foreigners," affirms the Haitian Episcopate, which has asked the Haitian authorities to create "safe living conditions through responsible and committed governance so that our fellow citizens can feel in Peace, harmony and security [...] Our fellow citizens need to see in Haiti, our beautiful country, humane socio-economic conditions that convince them not to emigrate in search of more humane conditions abroad."

For its part, the Permanent Council of the Conference of the Dominican Episcopate (CED) declared that it felt the duty to reflect on this delicate question "which challenges our consciences and our faith."

Like the Haitian bishops, they began by recognizing the right of each nation "to apply its immigration laws and policies," but stressed that they must be applied "with justice and respect for human dignity."

They stressed that the Dominican Republic, as a Christian nation, "must prevent painful situations that affect migrants from arising," including unfair treatment, arbitrary expulsions, and family separations.

"Let's remember that we have extended a hand of solidarity to the Haitian people in the face of any catastrophe, so we must maintain this charitable attitude," they concluded.

IH/ iciHaiti