Port-au-Prince, Monday, March 23, 2026 – The Collective Défenseurs Plus is raising its voice against what it describes as a “concerning humanitarian crisis” linked to the intensification of deportations of Haitian nationals from the Dominican Republic.
In a context already marked by extreme vulnerability in Haiti, the organization denounces “inhumane” practices that violate the fundamental principles of human rights, in a press release dated March 19.
According to data compiled by independent observers, border monitoring agencies, and the Dominican authorities themselves, particularly the Directorate General of Migration (DGM), more than 62,000 Haitians have been expelled in just two months, the organization reports.
In January 2026, approximately 32,000 people were sent back to Haiti, followed by more than 30,500 in February, according to the group.
These repatriation operations, the statement reads, are being carried out under conditions deemed contrary to international standards, notably toward sensitive border areas such as Jimaní/Malpasse and Anse-à-Pitres/Pedernales, where insecurity remains a concern.
The trend intensified during the first half of March.
“Between March 1 and 18, 2026, the flows recorded at the main border crossings show a notable intensification of expulsions.”
At Belladère/Elías Piña, nearly 7,400 people were turned back, making this crossing the primary location for deportations. At Ouanaminthe/Dajabón, approximately 5,800 expulsions were recorded, including particularly vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, the sick, and unaccompanied children, the note states.
Other areas are not spared, the statement continues: more than 2,100 people were expelled at Malpasse/Jimaní, while about 1,900 cases were recorded at Anse-à-Pitres/Pedernales.
“In several cases, those expelled are sent back to areas under the influence of armed groups, worsening their already precarious situation.”
Violations denounced
The Collective Défenseurs Plus denounces serious violations of the American Convention on Human Rights, particularly regarding non-discrimination, family protection, and respect for procedural guarantees.
The organization also condemns racial profiling practices and family separations.
According to the group, these expulsions also violate the repatriation protocol signed between Haiti and the Dominican Republic on March 2, 1999, which specifically prohibits nighttime expulsions and family separations.
Another major concern: the silence of the Haitian government. The Collective believes that this inaction in the face of repeated violations of fundamental rights could be perceived as a form of implicit tolerance.
Faced with this situation, Défenseurs Plus issues several urgent appeals: to the international community, particularly the United Nations and the Organization of American States, to exert diplomatic pressure on Dominican authorities; to the Dominican government, for strict compliance with international human rights commitments; to international partners, to strengthen support for reception structures in Haiti, which are currently overwhelmed; and to Haitian authorities, to engage in high-level bilateral dialogue to ensure the protection of their nationals.
Beyond the numbers, the Collective emphasizes the human consequences of these massive deportations: family disintegration, increased precariousness for migrants, and exposure to major security risks upon their return to Haiti.
Finally, the organization calls for an urgent and coordinated response to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of Haitian migrants.
