Haitian Activists Urge Global Community to Suspend Deportations Amid Rising Gang Violence and Poverty

Haitian activists have urged a temporary halt to deportations to their country due to escalating gang violence and worsening poverty. Tens of thousands have been sent back to Haiti recently, primarily from the Dominican Republic. The Dominican President has pledged to deport around 10,000 migrants weekly. From October 2 to November 5, nearly 61,000 migrants were deported from the Dominican Republic to Haiti, according to government data.

In October, the United States deported 258 Haitians, while Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, and the Bahamas collectively deported 231 individuals. Sam Guillaume, a spokesperson for Haiti's Support Group for Returnees and Refugees, highlighted that many deportees are homeless. "A lot of them can't make it back home because their neighbourhood is controlled by gangs," he said.

Deportation Conditions and Challenges

Guillaume noted that some deportees are temporarily staying near Haiti's border with the Dominican Republic, hoping to cross again. Gangs now control 85% of Port-au-Prince, with gunmen attacking previously peaceful areas. The deportees join over 700,000 people displaced by gang violence in recent years. This includes more than 12,000 who fled Port-au-Prince neighbourhoods after attacks last month, as reported by the UN's International Organization for Migration.

Those detained for deportation in the Dominican Republic face overcrowded jails lacking water, food, and beds. When they assert their rights, they sometimes encounter tear gas. "People are being treated like criminals," Guillaume stated. He also mentioned that organisations aiding Haitians in the Dominican Republic face attacks.

Humanitarian Needs and Concerns

Katia Bonte, coordinator for Haiti's Support Group for Returnees and Refugees, stressed the urgent need for food, water, medical aid, hygiene kits, and other essentials for the migrants they assist. The call to pause deportations comes amid US President-elect Donald Trump's promise of mass deportations once in office. However, many questions remain about how his administration will implement this.

The Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees group in New York expressed concern on Thursday about the challenges refugees and migrants will face following the US presidential election. They warned that these groups "will face escalating challenges" due to recent political developments.

Guillaume revealed that Dominicans smuggling Haitians into their country sometimes kidnap them and demand up to USD 300 for release. A spokesperson for Dominican President Luis Abinader was unavailable for comment on these allegations.