Dominican Republic urged to reform "racist" immigration practices
Key Points(5)
- In a statement on Friday, AI stated that the evidence of such mistreatment, supported by testimonies, statistics, and images, cannot be ignored and criticized the government’s refusal to address these issues, which undermines public trust and harms those the state is meant to protect.
- “We appreciate the attention that the Office of the Vice President has given to our reports, but regret that this response is simply a denial of the evidence.
- The state’s responsibility for the events we have documented through witness accounts, statistics and images is undeniable.
- Resisting public scrutiny not only undermines confidence in the government, but also harms all those whom the state must respect and protect,” said the director of Amnesty America, Ana Piquer.
- She also reiterated the call for the Dominican Republic government to reform its immigration policies, urging it to address and rectify racist practices that violate human rights.
International human rights watchdog, Amnesty International (AI) has responded to Dominican Republic Vice President Raquel Peña’s denial of racist immigration policies in the country, expressing disappointment that her remarks merely dismissed the evidence of mistreatment of Haitian citizens.
In a statement on Friday, AI stated that the evidence of such mistreatment, supported by testimonies, statistics, and images, cannot be ignored and criticized the government’s refusal to address these issues, which undermines public trust and harms those the state is meant to protect.
“We appreciate the attention that the Office of the Vice President has given to our reports, but regret that this response is simply a denial of the evidence. The state’s responsibility for the events we have documented through witness accounts, statistics and images is undeniable. Resisting public scrutiny not only undermines confidence in the government, but also harms all those whom the state must respect and protect,” said the director of Amnesty America, Ana Piquer.
She also reiterated the call for the Dominican Republic government to reform its immigration policies, urging it to address and rectify racist practices that violate human rights. This includes adhering to international obligations and domestic laws that prohibit the deportation of pregnant women and minors.
“Amnesty International urges the government of Luis Abinader and Raquel Peña to use this second constitutional mandate to promote a positive change in its migration policy by taking responsibility and correcting racist policies and practices that violate human rights. This includes respecting the international obligations of the state and its government concerning international protection and complying with the executive regulation of the Dominican migration law, which prohibits the deportation of minors and pregnant women,” said Piquer.
Peña had previously asserted that the country is merely defending its sovereignty and rejected claims of racist policies, insisting that international organizations should respect national policies.
