Within the early hours of the morning, an immigration agent’s go to to a residence in a bustling vacationer enclave within the japanese Dominican Republic took a darkish flip, as allegations of sexual assault was reported by a 14-year-old Haitian woman. The incident, which reportedly occurred on April fifth in Bávaro, close to the famend Punta Cana vacationer space, has reignited considerations over the therapy of Haitian migrants within the Dominican Republic.
In response to a video testimony, the immigration agent initially entered the house, inquiring concerning the woman’s mother and father after which allegedly made inappropriate advances in the direction of her, which she rebuffed. Nevertheless, the state of affairs escalated when he returned, forcibly undressing and assaulting her. The woman’s soft-spoken admission of the assault in Spanish has sparked outrage and swift responses from Dominican authorities.
This disturbing incident follows an analogous accusation from September, the place one other Haitian girl accused an immigration agent of rape on the Santo Domingo worldwide airport. In each circumstances, the alleged victims had been Haitian migrants, elevating considerations about systemic violations of human rights.
In response to the current accusation, Dominican officers have launched an investigation, emphasizing their dedication to upholding human rights. Julio Caraballo, the communications director for the Normal Directorate of Immigration, affirmed that any implicated agent would face suspension and prosecution.
The Dominican authorities, by way of spokesman Homero Figueroa, vehemently condemned the assault, stressing the significance of respecting the rights of all people inside its borders, regardless of nationality. Director of the immigration company, Venancio Alcántara, assured that no leniency could be proven if an officer is discovered responsible.
Nevertheless, activists, each Haitian and Dominican, demand extra than simply investigations. Edwin Paraison, representing the Zile Basis, requires complete human rights coaching for immigration officers and regulation enforcement to forestall future atrocities.
The sufferer’s mom, who filed the grievance, recounted the harrowing ordeal her daughter endured, highlighting the necessity for justice. Accompanied by human rights activist Santiago Molina, she seeks accountability and closure. Molina, who has been advocating for improved therapy of Haitians within the Dominican Republic, asserts that such abuses aren’t remoted incidents.
These allegations floor in opposition to a backdrop of heightened anti-Haitian sentiment, fueled by right-wing factions supporting President Luis Abinader. Whereas Abinader has positioned himself as an advocate for Haiti’s safety, his administration’s deportation of over 250,000 Haitians, together with asylum seekers, attracts criticism from worldwide observers.
Because the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a grim reminder of the challenges confronted by Haitian migrants within the Dominican Republic and underscores the crucial for systemic reforms to guard their rights and dignity.
