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

Photo: Illegal Haitian migrants (Photo courtesy CMC)

Human rights groups are calling on the Jamaican government to heed the call from the United Nations Refugee Agency 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 were also urging the Andrew Holness administration to launch a full investigation into the treatment of Haitian migrants and asylum seekers in Jamaica.

They said the investigation should examine whether processes to determine the status of the Haitians are in line with those detailed in Jamaica’s Refugee Policy, calling also for a probe into reports of abuse and unnecessary or arbitrary detention.

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

Despite the presence of a Kenya-led United Nations backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, the gangs have continued their criminal activities, including rape and murder. Last week, one gang was reported to have killed at least 70 people. To deport the Haitians, noting “We are seeing once again where Haitians seeking refugee status are being denied [the] right to refugee status and have their applications duly processed”.

They have also made reference to a statement by attorney Malene Alleyne, the head of Freedom Imaginaries, who was denied access to visit the Haitians.

“These persons now join a pool of over 130 Haitians who have sought asylum since July 2023, most of whom have already been expelled from Jamaica without being granted access to asylum procedures or legal counsel. The continued undermining [of] Haitians’ legal right to an attorney and due process are flagrant violations.

“The lack of access to legal representation and immediate institution of criminal charges makes it nearly impossible for persons to make their intention to seek refugee status, as provided for under Jamaica’s refugee policy of 2009, known.”

The two human rights groups say that in some instances the Haitians have been charged with illegal entry.

“Treated as criminals without any evidence of wrongdoing; and despite fleeing violence, hunger, and instability. They deserve proper assessments to determine their refugee status rather than automatic criminalisation by Jamaican authorities.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct 9, CMC –

CMC/ag/ir/2024

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