Raina Forbin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired a working session this week via videoconference with Fritz Emmanuel Longchamp, the Haitian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, and the four heads of Haitian consular posts accredited to the neighboring country.

This session was also attended by Kathia Verdier, the Minister for Haitians Living Abroad; Reynold Guerrier, Director General of the National Identification Office (ONI); and Fednel Zidor, President of the Restructuring Commission of the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration (DIE).

This meeting is part of the joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) to strengthen the effectiveness of diplomatic and consular services for the benefit of the Haitian community in the Dominican Republic.

Participants reviewed existing initiatives to improve the protection, assistance, and access to consular services for Haitian nationals, while also strengthening institutional coordination in the face of current migration challenges.

On this occasion, Minister Raina Forbin asked the heads of mission to maintain a close presence with Haitian communities, to rigorously monitor all situations brought to their attention, and to remain fully mobilized to guarantee effective protection and assistance for Haitian citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Directorate of Immigration and Migration (DIE), and the National Identification Office (ONI) to facilitate the issuance of National Identification Cards and passports, while continuing diplomatic efforts with Dominican authorities in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and good neighborliness, in accordance with international commitments and in the interest of both Nations.

Speaking in turn, Minister Kathia Verdier emphasized the need to expedite the production and delivery of passports for Haitian nationals in the Dominican Republic, while strengthening the monitoring of performance indicators to ensure faster and more efficient service.

She also stressed the importance of improved communication between the relevant institutions and reminded Haitians that for over a year, childbirth has been free in our hospitals in border areas.

Addressing the situation of Haitian migrants, she reiterated that while repatriation procedures fall under the sovereignty of states, they must be conducted in strict compliance with national standards and international human rights commitments. The MAEC and the MHAVE urged the various representatives to remain vigilant, responsive, and fully committed to addressing any mistreatment or violation of the rights of Haitian nationals, in order to ensure they receive the protection and assistance to which they are entitled.

IH/ iciHaiti