IACHR warns of risks to Haitians following US termination of TPS
Key Points(5)
- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has expressed concern over the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals in the United States, warning that returning people to Haiti could expose them to serious human rights and security risks.
- In a statement Monday, the IACHR called on the United States to ensure international protection for Haitians when there are substantial grounds to believe their return would put their lives or personal safety at risk.
- The commission also urged U.S.
- authorities to ensure affected Haitians have access to procedures that can identify and address such risks.
- Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, allows eligible nationals of designated countries to temporarily live and work in the United States when conditions such as armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary circumstances make it unsafe for them to return home.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has expressed concern over the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals in the United States, warning that returning people to Haiti could expose them to serious human rights and security risks.
In a statement Monday, the IACHR called on the United States to ensure international protection for Haitians when there are substantial grounds to believe their return would put their lives or personal safety at risk.
The commission also urged U.S. authorities to ensure affected Haitians have access to procedures that can identify and address such risks.
Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, allows eligible nationals of designated countries to temporarily live and work in the United States when conditions such as armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary circumstances make it unsafe for them to return home.
Haiti was first designated for TPS in 2010 following the devastating earthquake that struck the country. The designation was subsequently extended and modified as conditions in Haiti evolved.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in June 2025 that it would terminate Haiti's TPS designation.
On June 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the termination to take effect, while an Aug. 5 decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security could proceed with the move.
Haiti's TPS designation was terminated effective July 27, 2026.
While U.S. authorities determined that conditions in Haiti no longer met the statutory requirements for TPS, the IACHR said that assessment should be considered against the situation currently unfolding in the Caribbean nation.
“The situation in Haiti continues to be confronted with dire challenges to citizen security, individual protection, and enjoyment of human rights, which may significantly impact those returned to the country,” the commission said.
The IACHR noted that gangs were estimated to control between 80% and 90% of Port-au-Prince in 2026, with their presence also extending into the Artibonite, Centre and South-East departments.
Citing data from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, the commission said at least 613 people were killed and 375 injured in gang-related clashes in La Plaine de Cul-de-Sac between March 6 and July 31.
As of May 13, approximately 1.47 million people were internally displaced across Haiti, representing about 12% of the country's population.
The commission also raised concerns that returning Haitians affected by the TPS termination could place additional pressure on the country's already strained resources and institutions.
The IACHR acknowledged the authority of countries to establish their own immigration policies and determine the conditions governing entry and residence but said those policies must comply with international human rights obligations.
It stressed that the United States remains bound by the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning people to countries where their lives, personal integrity or liberty would be at risk.
The commission also said deportations and expulsions should be assessed individually, comply with due process requirements and provide access to effective remedies.
It called on the United States to provide access to refugee procedures and other forms of international protection, along with mechanisms for permanent and regular migration status, including humanitarian measures, family reunification and special regularization programs.
