The Crisis Facing Haitians in the Dominican Republic

Haitians Hunted at Home and Abroad

The Dominican Republic's recent crackdown on Haitian immigrants has triggered a growing humanitarian crisis that demands immediate international attention.?President Luis Abinader's aggressive policy of deporting 10,000 Haitians weekly ?not only violates human rights but also flouts international agreements. This policy evokes dark memories of past atrocities, such as the?1937 Parsley Massacre . The crisis is compounded by the Haitian government's diplomatic failures, underscoring the urgent need for competent leadership, diaspora mobilization, and a united front to protect Haitian rights and dignity.

In recent weeks,?over 11,000 Haitians have been deported from the Dominican Republic . According to the?Washington Post , "At least 66,000 Haitians were deported in the first half of 2024. Under the new plan, at least 500,000 Haitians would be deported in one year — double the number deported from the Dominican Republic (DR) in 2023." This dragnet has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among Haitians living in the Dominican Republic. President Abinader’s policy, which targets Haitians and also affects darker-skinned Dominicans, has raised concerns about racial profiling. U.S. officials in the Dominican Republic have issued a warning to "darker-skinned" Americans that they are at risk of being swept up in the country’s crackdown on Haitian migrants. Disturbing reports of sexual assaults and viral videos of violence against Haitians further highlight the severe human rights abuses taking place under this policy.

Political Manipulation and Diplomatic Failures

The actions of the Dominican government violate international migration laws and bilateral agreements, as noted by organizations like Amnesty International . Collective deportations, without proper assessment of individuals' asylum claims, are not only illegal under international law but also fail to respect the dignity and safety of Haitian nationals. Amnesty has further documented evidence of excessive force, including cases of sexual violence, especially against young women. These abuses cannot be ignored.

However, the Dominican government’s deportation policy appears to serve a more insidious political agenda. Facing internal challenges—such as proposed constitutional reforms , fiscal policies that will increase taxes , and the ongoing abortion debate —President Abinader has used Haitians and darker-skinned Dominicans as scapegoats to divert attention from these controversial domestic issues. This tactic is reminiscent of global populist leaders, like former U.S. President Trump, who exploit fear and prejudice for political gain, often at the expense of vulnerable populations.

Equally concerning is the Haitian government's lackluster diplomatic response to this crisis. Haiti’s diplomatic missions in the Dominican Republic have been largely ineffective, with reports of staff members being vulnerable themselves, lacking proper documentation, and unable to perform their duties. This is particularly troubling given the high stakes: over one million Haitians reside in the Dominican Republic, and thousands more cross the border daily for work, education, and healthcare. These individuals are in desperate need of protection.

A foreign minister is not an activist

Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Dominique Dupuy , has spoken out against the injustices facing Haitians, rightly calling attention to the racial dimensions of President Abinader's policies. However, more than public statements are needed. Effective diplomacy requires strategic engagement, negotiation, and mobilizing allies to protect national interests. This is where the Haitian government must step up—beyond rhetoric—and use all diplomatic tools available to safeguard its citizens. The challenge ahead is not simply one of public relations but of restoring Haiti’s diplomatic presence and influence in this critical bilateral relationship.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Address the Crisis

The situation calls for a multi-faceted approach. While the diaspora, Haiti's allies, and international institutions all have a role to play, Haiti's government - and its foreign minister in particular - must take the leadership and define the policy. With this in mind, here are three key proposals:

First, the Haitian government must step up diplomatic efforts. It must move beyond social media and engage more directly with Dominican authorities while leveraging international support. As part of Haiti's diplomatic efforts, legal mechanisms must also be utilized to address trafficking vulnerabilities faced by both Haitians and Dominicans. The Dominican Republic remains on the Tier 2 Watch List for trafficking , with significant failures in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly undocumented Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent.

The law and decency is on our side

In addition to these efforts, Haiti must leverage international agreements and human rights laws to protect vulnerable populations. According to the Trafficking in Persons Report , more than 100,000 Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent are at risk of trafficking and other abuses due to systemic failures in immigration screening. Recent concerns raised by the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic about racial profiling during the crackdown on Haitian migrants further underscore the need for international pressure.

Second, The Minister of Haitians Living Abroad, under Ms. Dupuy’s leadership, must urgently rally Haitians abroad (the diaspora), which remains a powerful but underutilized asset. The diaspora can play a key role in both the legal fight against human rights abuses in the Dominican Republic and in Haiti's battle against gangs. While international support is necessary, the Haitian government must first unite its own people to confront these challenges. We must also remember that Haiti has allies within Dominican civil society, such as the Permanent Council of the Dominican Bishops' Conference, which has called for the humane enforcement of immigration laws.

Third, the diaspora "leaders" must come together to develop a unified strategy for supporting their compatriots both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This must include more than financial support but also advocacy efforts, and expertise sharing. We must not allow the government to repeat what President Martelly did, which was to dismantle the solidarity that was built in the fight against the denationalization of Dominicans of Haitian descent . The diaspora's engagement is essential for addressing both the immediate crisis and building long-term resilience for Haiti. However, these efforts will be useless if the Haitian state is not a real partner.

A Call for Collective Action and Responsibility

The crisis facing Haitians in the Dominican Republic is not just a bilateral issue; it is a test of Haiti’s commitment to human rights and the well-being of its people. The international community, including institutions like the United Nations and the Organization of American States, must put pressure on the Dominican government to treat Haitian migrants with dignity and respect for international law. However, the Haitian government has the primary responsibility to protect its citizens.

Ultimately, the solution to this crisis and others like it lies in making Haiti a safe and prosperous place for its people. Strong institutions, meaningful diaspora engagement, and accountable leadership are essential to this effort. Haiti’s leaders must rise above internal political struggles and prioritize the welfare of the Haitian people, both at home and abroad.

As we navigate this crisis, We must overcome what a friend of mine aptly calls Haitians' "toxic resiliency"—a trait born from surviving repeated trauma that prevents us from building trust and making collective progress. Let us not forget the remarkable legacy of Haiti’s founders, who fought for freedom and dignity against unimaginable odds. Now, more than ever, Haitians must come together—across borders and generations—to uphold these values and protect their future.

?