Dominican Republic - November 2022

The Dominican Republic has stepped up its border enforcement, including through deportations of Haitians, arguing the measure is needed for security purposes, considering the exacerbation of violence in the neighbouring country. The government’s actions have raised concerns regarding the use of violence against migrants, discrimination, arbitrary detentions, and other human rights violations as immigration agents implement strict controls. The United Nations refugee agency has urged countries receiving Haitian asylum seekers to halt forced returns to Haiti due to the continuing crises. It has also highlighted that forced returns of people to countries where they could face torture, persecution, or irreparable harm could constitute “refoulement”, which is prohibited under international law.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Associated Press News, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees