Migration in the Caribbean: Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Beyond
Date of Publication
1-1-2023 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Human Rights
Keywords
Caribbean, migration, migrant workers, human rights, minority rights, discrimination, undocumented migrants, human rights
Description
The Caribbean is often perceived as a tourist paradise, but for its residents, it's a region marked by long-term population movements due to intra- and extra-regional migration. While emigration isn't stigmatized within the Caribbean, receiving societies often perceive immigrants as poor and inferior. The definition of a 'migrant' varies, and when a settled migrant community becomes an ethnic or national minority is influenced by factors such as citizenship laws. Migrant workers have international standards and domestic laws protecting their rights, but in the Caribbean, many undocumented migrants face significant challenges due to a lack of legal recourse. Negative stereotypes and exaggerated migrant population figures contribute to discrimination, low wages, and job insecurity. This report highlights human and minority rights abuses faced by both documented and undocumented migrant workers in the Caribbean, including trafficking, forced labor, unequal remuneration, discrimination, and violations of the rights of children of migrant workers. The Dominican Republic, with the largest influx of migrants from Haiti, is a focal point due to its poor human rights record. Governments in the Caribbean often benefit from remittances sent by migrant workers while failing to condemn the conditions they endure. This report calls for respect of migrant rights, emphasizing the obligations of Caribbean states under international law, both sending and receiving governments. Holding them accountable for their commitments is crucial.
Migration in the Caribbean: Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Beyond
The Caribbean is often perceived as a tourist paradise, but for its residents, it's a region marked by long-term population movements due to intra- and extra-regional migration. While emigration isn't stigmatized within the Caribbean, receiving societies often perceive immigrants as poor and inferior. The definition of a 'migrant' varies, and when a settled migrant community becomes an ethnic or national minority is influenced by factors such as citizenship laws. Migrant workers have international standards and domestic laws protecting their rights, but in the Caribbean, many undocumented migrants face significant challenges due to a lack of legal recourse. Negative stereotypes and exaggerated migrant population figures contribute to discrimination, low wages, and job insecurity. This report highlights human and minority rights abuses faced by both documented and undocumented migrant workers in the Caribbean, including trafficking, forced labor, unequal remuneration, discrimination, and violations of the rights of children of migrant workers. The Dominican Republic, with the largest influx of migrants from Haiti, is a focal point due to its poor human rights record. Governments in the Caribbean often benefit from remittances sent by migrant workers while failing to condemn the conditions they endure. This report calls for respect of migrant rights, emphasizing the obligations of Caribbean states under international law, both sending and receiving governments. Holding them accountable for their commitments is crucial.
