DENIALS OF RACISM DO NOT EXEMPT THE DOMINICAN GOVERNMENT FROM ITS HUMAN RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES

In response to statements made by the Dominican Republic’s vice president, Raquel Peña, on concerns raised by Amnesty International regarding the responsibility of Luis Abinader’s government to investigate, punish and redress human rights violations occurring in the context of the implementation of the Dominican Republic’s migration policies, Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International said:

“We appreciate the attention that the Office of the Vice President has given to our reports, but regret that this response is simply a denial of the evidence. The state’s responsibility for the events we have documented through witness accounts, statistics and images is undeniable. Resisting public scrutiny not only undermines confidence in the government, but also harms all those whom the state must respect and protect.”

The state’s responsibility for the events we have documented through witness accounts, statistics and images is undeniable. Resisting public scrutiny not only undermines confidence in the government but also harms all those whom the state must respect and protect.

Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

“Amnesty International urges the government of Luis Abinader and Raquel Peña to use this second constitutional mandate to promote a positive change in its migration policy by taking responsibility and correcting racist policies and practices that violate human rights. This includes respecting the international obligations of the state and its government concerning international protection and complying with the executive regulation of the Dominican migration law, which prohibits the deportation of minors and pregnant women.”

Amnesty International urges the government of Luis Abinader and Raquel Peña to use this second constitutional mandate to promote a positive change in its migration policy by taking responsibility and correcting racist policies and practices that violate human rights.

Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

Amnesty International is a movement that defends and promotes human rights across the world. Its main focus is ensuring that all people enjoy all human rights without discrimination. In the case of the Dominican Republic, the recent focus has been on reporting racist migration policies applied by the government and helping to build a Dominican Republic free from discrimination.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please get in touch with press@amnesty.org