On Tuesday (Oct. 8), Dominican Republic authorities announced they had deported nearly 11,000 Haitians over the past week. This decision is part of a broader strategy to conduct weekly deportations amid growing tensions between the neighboring countries as Haiti grapples with escalating gang violence and worsening poverty, according to reports.

Human Rights Watch has estimated that around half a million Haitians currently reside in the Dominican Republic. The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly in 2023, with issues in security, justice, and humanitarian aid becoming more pressing. Reports indicate a rise in violence, including killings, kidnappings, and sexual assaults, while the government’s response has been inadequate. Over 40% of Haitians face severe food shortages, and access to necessities like electricity, clean water, healthcare, and education has become increasingly limited.

Last week, the Dominican Republic first revealed its plans to deport up to 10,000 Haitians weekly, citing an “excess” of immigrants as the tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. This marks one of the largest deportation efforts in recent history for the country.

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille expressed his concerns about this issue on X (formally known as Twitter), stating, “The forced and mass deportation of our Haitian compatriots from the Dominican Republic is a violation of the fundamental principles of human dignity.” 

He added that an interministerial task force is being organized to enhance their diplomatic and humanitarian response. “Following the emergency meeting convened last week by MHAVE, with the participation of relevant ministers, local associations, and our international partners, I have given instructions for an interministerial task force, including MAÉ, MHAVE, MAST, MICT, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry Delegate for Humanitarian Affairs, to organize as of this morning to coordinate and strengthen our diplomatic and humanitarian response. @DominiqueAyiti @Refugees @UNmigration @CARICOMorg @OAS_official #Haiti #HumanRights,” he tweeted.