Human rights groups want Jamaica to suspend the deportation of illegal Haitian migrants

Photo: Illegal Haitian Migrants (Photo courtesy of CMC)

Human rights groups are calling on the Jamaican government to heed the United Nations Refugee Agency’s call to suspend the forced deportation of illegal Haitian migrants.

In a joint statement, Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ) and Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) said they also urged the government of Andrew Holness to launch a full investigation into the treatment of Haitian migrants and asylum seekers in Jamaica.

They said the inquiry should examine whether the processes for determining the status of the Haitians are consistent with those outlined in Jamaica’s refugee policy, and also called for an investigation into reports of abuse and unnecessary or arbitrary detention.

Jamaica on Saturday deported 20 Haitians who had landed illegally in Kensington, Portland. The deportation is the latest by authorities here of Haitian nationals fleeing the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, which has faced criminal gangs that have taken over most of the capital since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July. 2021.

Despite the presence of a Kenyan-led, United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, the gangs have continued their criminal activities, including rape and murder. Last week a gang is said to have killed at least seventy people. To deport the Haitians, stating “Once again we see Haitians seeking refugee status being denied the right to refugee status and having their applications properly processed.”

They also pointed to a statement from lawyer Malene Alleyne, the head of Freedom Imaginaries, who was denied access to visit the Haitians.

“These individuals now join a pool of more than 130 Haitians who have applied for asylum since July 2023, most of whom have already been expelled from Jamaica without access to asylum procedures or legal advice. The continued undermining of Haitians’ legal rights to an attorney and due process are egregious violations.

“The lack of access to legal representation and prompt filing of criminal charges makes it virtually impossible for individuals to declare their intention to apply for refugee status as provided for in Jamaica’s 2009 Refugee Policy.”

The two human rights groups say Haitians have been accused of illegal entry in some cases.

“Treated like criminals without any evidence of wrongdoing; and despite the flight from violence, hunger and instability. They deserve a proper assessment to determine their refugee status, rather than automatic criminalization by the Jamaican authorities.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica, October 9, CMC –

CMC/ag/ir/2024

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