Human rights groups call for investigation into Jamaica's treatment of Haitian migrants

Human rights groups Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ) and Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) are calling for the Government to launch a full investigation into the treatment of Haitian migrants and asylum seekers in Jamaica.

In a joint release to the media on Tuesday, the groups said the probe should examine whether processes to determine the status of the Haitians are in line with those detailed in Jamaica's Refugee Policy.

They also want an examination of reports of abuse and unnecessary or arbitrary detention. 

The call by the groups follow the repatriation of 20 Haitians who landed in Kensington, Portland, on Saturday.

JFJ and SUFJ have strongly condemned the move by the authorities, stating that "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 also point to claims that attorney-at-law Malene Alleyne, Head of Freedom Imaginaries, who has advocated for and supported the rights of Haitian refugees entering the island, was denied access to visit them.

"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 groups argue.

The groups note 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," JFJ and SUFJ say.

The groups are urging the Government to heed the call from the UN Refugee Agency to suspend the forced return of Haitians and uphold its duty to protect those seeking refuge from persecution and harm.

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