Attachments
Description of the Event
Date when the trigger was met
04-04-2024
What happened, where and when?
Since February 2024, Haiti had witnessed an alarming surge in violence, reaching unprecedented levels that had exacerbated food insecurity and triggered numerous displacements. The border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti was at the time embroiled in one of the most severe crises in decades. Despite the worsening security conditions, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on 4 April that neighboring countries had forcibly returned over 13,000 people to Haiti in March alone, signifying a 46% surge compared to the previous month (1). Notably, 95% of these forced returns originated from the Dominican Republic. The highest incidence was reported at the Ouanaminthe-Dajabón and Belladere-Comendador borders, with significant spikes of 116% and 23%, respectively, compared to the previous month (2). It was worth highlighting that, during the year 2023, Dominican authorities reported that 174,677 foreigners were deported, with Haitian nationals having the highest incidence with a total of 174,602.
As the crisis escalates in Haiti, the Dominican Republic was bracing for a potential influx of people from Haiti. On 2 March, in an unprecedented series of attacks by armed groups, more than 3,000 prisoners were released from the capital's jail. This, coupled with prolonged violence, an assault on Port-au-Prince's international airport, and aggressive demonstrations by gang leaders, had fueled a substantial surge in migration flows.
On 15 March, Dajabón was thrown into chaos as hundreds of displaced Haitians arrived, fleeing the turmoil and insecurity in their homeland. Seeking protection and assistance, these displaced individuals overwhelmed the Dajabón market, a vital hub for cross-border commerce. The sudden flinux strained the market's capacity and local infrastructure, leading to overcrowding and heightened tensions. In response, Dominican authorities tightened border controls, further exacerbating the tumultuous situation. The market emerged as a focal point of the humanitarian crisis, underscoring the urgent needs of the displaced Haitians and the challenges confronting the host community.
Similarly, border towns like Pedernales, Jimaní, and Elías Piña were grappling with a signicant inux of Haitians due to Haiti's security crisis. This underscores the pressing necessity for targeted interventions and resources to address the multifaceted challenges faced by displaced individuals and host communities, ensuring the protection and provision of essential services to those in need.