Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez condemned as “foolish” the request for the Dominican government to cease repatriations of undocumented Haitians amid rising insecurity in Haiti, highlighted by a recent massacre of over 115 individuals in Pont-Sondé in the capital city.
He mentioned that control of gangs in Haiti is on the rise and has increased to 85% of the capital city. He emphasized the potential risks of this violence spilling over into the Dominican Republic. He said that security is first in the interest of the Dominican Republic at a time when there is a situation of “unstopping massive flow” of migrants from Haiti. He said there is the concern that the criminal organizations would cross to our side of the border.
Speaking at a quarterly meeting focused on the Haitian crisis, Álvarez stated: “The Dominican government cannot accept this reckless call to halt repatriations, as it would effectively mean declaring an open border and would encourage increased irregular migration to our country. This is something we will never allow. Dominicans have never been the cause of any humanitarian, economic, or security situation in Haiti. Nevertheless, we have faced this crisis almost alone for decades.”
Álvarez also noted that, four months into the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), he expected more significant results. He recalled President Luis Abinader’s recent remarks at the UN General Assembly in September: “It is unacceptable that, at this point, the countries that have been involved in the Haitian situation or committed to its resolution have not fully delivered on their promises.”
The foreign minister praised the work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, reiterating his call for continued support for the transitional government and the MSS, as well as assistance in organizing elections in Haiti.
However, Álvarez stressed that holding elections under current conditions is implausible. “Without territorial control, effective oversight by the Provisional Electoral Council, a completed electoral registry, and a schedule for fundamental processes, it is not credible to expect elections on the proposed date. Coordinated efforts with regional bodies are urgently needed to provide technical assistance that paves the way for a democratic re-establishment,” he added.
Álvarez concluded that now is the time to intensify efforts to support the Haitian people and not be overwhelmed by the ongoing challenges.
Alvarez was accompanied at the Security Council meeting by José Blanco, the Dominican ambassador to the UN, and Joan Cedano, the alternate ambassador.
In remarks to the UN, the Haitian delegation acknowledged that only 20% of hospital services is operating in Port-au-Prince and 40% nationwide. The collapse of the health services has increased the burden on Dominican government finances with thousands of Haitians crossing the border to have access to free health services in the Dominican Republic. Likewise, more than 150,000 Haitians are known to be registered in Dominican public schools.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Diario Libre Minute 17
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
UN Missions
El Dia
Listin Diario
Listin Diario
Hoy
Noticias SIN
El Caribe
23 October 2024