Vice President of the Democratic Republic Responds to UNHCR Request

In response to the United Nations Refugee Agency’s (HCR) call to allow Haitians, fleeing from mounting insecurity in Haiti, to enter the Dominican Republic, the Vice-president of the neighboring country, Raquel Peña, stated on Sunday, March 24, 2024 that the solution to the Haitian crisis is not in the Dominican Republic. Peña expressed hope that the international community will devise suitable measures for the challenges faced by Haiti, while reminding that the Dominican President Luis Abinader was the first to call on the international community since his investiture as president in 2020.

The matter has also drawn the attention of presidential candidate Miguel Vargas Maldonado, who has termed allegations from the HCR against the Dominican Republic for refusing to cease expelling irregular Haitian migrants entering their territory as “danger”. The Dominican Revolutionary Party (DRP) candidate has urged his country to address these “unhealthy claims” put forward by international agencies with actions, insisting that the Dominican government uphold the constitution and the General Law on Immigration, while observing the integrity and personal safety of every individual.

Maldonado emphasized that the Dominican Republic cannot permit the establishment of refugee centers as they “would not and should not” host refugees as suggested. He further reiterated that the Dominican government must respect and implement the Constitution and the General Immigration Law, while simultaneously respecting the integrity and personal protection of every individual.

The politician has cautioned the Dominican public to remain vigilant against the pressures and campaigns initiated against the country by certain local sectors and international agencies, which show intentions of turning the Dominican Republic into a major refugee center. He urged that the Dominican Republic must be ready to aid their neighbor, as long as the solution proposed is led by Haitians and orientated to address Haitian issues.

The UN agency’s recommendation for the Dominican Republic to accept fleeing Haitians came about a week ago, following a surge of violence from armed gangs amidst a sociopolitical crisis in Haiti. However, in response, Luis Abinader insisted that the deportations of Haitians will carry on as per the Migration Law and in respect of human dignity.