Jamaica: Freedom Imaginaries slams Government’s swift repatriation of Haitian migrants

International human rights advocacy organization, Freedom Imaginaries, has strongly criticized the Jamaican government’s approach to handling the increasing influx of Haitian migrants seeking refuge within its borders.

Founder’s stance on asylum rights

Founder of Freedom Imaginaries, Malene Alleyne, expressed grave concern over the government’s policies, contending that they neglect the fundamental rights of asylum seekers by circumventing due process and failing to uphold proper asylum procedures. 

Alleyne asserts that the government has thus far remained unresponsive to all applications submitted for asylum status.

A systematic lack of response

Ms. Alleyne raised an alarm regarding the government's persistent silence on asylum applications. 

She stated that since the initial asylum request made by the first group, none of the subsequent three groups of migrants have received any response to their asylum applications. 

“I take it that the government policy right now is not to respond or accept any requests for asylum which is why I say the policy is one of rapid return, without due process, without access to an asylum procedure,” she added.  

Awaiting resolution: The plight of Haitian migrants

Highlighting the human side of this complex issue, Ms. Alleyne drew attention to the plight of over 30 Haitian migrants who arrived in Jamaica in July and sought asylum. 

As of now, they remain in limbo, eagerly awaiting the outcome of their asylum procedure.

In contrast,  three other groups of Haitian migrants, who arrived in Jamaica subsequent to the initial group in July were swiftly repatriated to Haiti.