Haiti slams 'xenophobic' deportation drive by Dominican Republic

Haiti accused the Dominican Republic on Thursday of committing xenophobic acts and violating the rights of Haitian migrants, especially pregnant and nursing women, amid its growing deportation drive.The government of Dominican President Luis Abinader has stepped up deportations in recent months to Haiti, despite the nation's mounting insecurity from gang violence.Nearly 20,000 people were deported across the border in April, the UN said on Tuesday, including a "rising number of pregnant and breastfeeding women."It said UN and partner organizations had over the previous month "assisted an average of 15 pregnant women and 15 breastfeeding mothers per day."In a rare official response, Haiti's ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement noting broad mistreatment and saying its ambassador in the Dominican Republic would begin organizing voluntary repatriation convoys to bring citizens home "in dignified conditions." The ministry called for dialogue and called on civil society groups to enforce the rights of Haitians, wherever they may be.Many Haitians have fled poverty, political instability, and gang violence, which has worsened over the past year, particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince.Dominican officials have implemented a crackdown on foreigners since April 21, barring those without papers from staying in the country after receiving medical care.Since taking office in 2020 and his triumphant re-election in 2024, Abinader has toughened migration policies, and has launched the construction of a wall along his country's border with Haiti.Humanitarian organizations have voiced particular concern for the plight of pregnant women, with the UN on Tuesday denouncing the practice saying it's "in violation of international standards."