In a bid to curb rising migration from Haiti, the Dominican Republic has commenced an extensive operation to apprehend undocumented migrants, resulting in the arrest of over 130 Haitian women and children on the first day of this effort. Many of those arrested were either pregnant or had recently given birth. This crackdown is part of a larger government strategy, initiated last year by President Luis Abinader, aimed at deporting up to 10,000 undocumented migrants weekly, predominantly in response to the ongoing crises and violence in Haiti.
Despite government assurances that the detained women would receive "dignified treatment" at a detention center, critics argue that the approach has exacerbated the fears of pregnant women seeking medical services. A Haitian woman accompanying a friend in labor highlighted the anxiety caused by the government's actions, expressing concerns that the uncertainty could lead to dire consequences for both the mothers and their newborns.
In a troubling context, many Haitian migrants are fleeing severe gang violence and poverty in Port-au-Prince, and the Dominican Republic has reportedly deported more than 80,000 people to Haiti in the first quarter of this year. The Abinader administration has criticized the international community for not taking effective action to restore stability in Haiti, which has only intensified the migration crisis affecting the region. As the crackdown continues, the implications for Haitian migrants remain a pressing concern for humanitarian advocates.
Despite government assurances that the detained women would receive "dignified treatment" at a detention center, critics argue that the approach has exacerbated the fears of pregnant women seeking medical services. A Haitian woman accompanying a friend in labor highlighted the anxiety caused by the government's actions, expressing concerns that the uncertainty could lead to dire consequences for both the mothers and their newborns.
In a troubling context, many Haitian migrants are fleeing severe gang violence and poverty in Port-au-Prince, and the Dominican Republic has reportedly deported more than 80,000 people to Haiti in the first quarter of this year. The Abinader administration has criticized the international community for not taking effective action to restore stability in Haiti, which has only intensified the migration crisis affecting the region. As the crackdown continues, the implications for Haitian migrants remain a pressing concern for humanitarian advocates.
