By Erica Laster                                                                                                                                  Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON, United States – The mass deportation of Haitians from a number of countries has caused various human rights groups to take action.  Six Miami and Washington based human rights groups filed a petition to halt Haitian deportation by the United States with the Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Given the cholera epidemic and the civil unrest, human rights groups are attempting to stem the flow of Haitians back to the quake ravaged country.

Over 350 Haitians have been placed in detention centers in the United States since the Administration announced their decision to resume deporting detainees back to Haiti.  While the Obama administration indicated that deportation would extend to Haitians who have finished serving time for violent crimes, other Haitian families are terrified at the implications and repercussions.

On the condition of anonymity, one father spoke about his families struggle to which led them to the United States.  Speaking in Creole, Fritz explained that his family traveled to the U.S. after the January earthquake to survive.

“We should not be having to look at families and telling them we don’t know what’s going to happen, we don’t know if they are going to be sent back to Haiti, we don’t know if they are going to be given work permits so they can support their families,” says Cheryl Little, immigration advocate of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. 

Amnesty International also took action against the Dominican Republic, urging the country to cease the deportation of Haitians which they argue would lead to grave human rights violations.

In the past week,  950 Haitians have been deported out of the country.  Javier Zuñiga, Amnesty International’s Senior Advisor believes “Haiti is still recovering from a devastating natural disaster. Instead of forcing people back to a desperate situation, the Dominican Republic and other countries should be stepping up their efforts to help Haiti and its people.”

Those facing deportation will be subject to harsh conditions and will likely be placed in detention centers upon their arrival.  48  Haitians placed in such centers have died in their holding cells.  Over tens of thousands of immigrants living and working in the United States are Haitians who do not have legal permission to remain in the country. 

While Haitians may apply for Temporary Protective Status (TPS), many have stopped applying despite the January 18 deadline.  Over 1 million Haitians still remain homeless and without proper sanitation in Haiti.

The Department of Homeland Security has refused to comment on the situation.

For More Information Please Visit:

Caribbean News Now – Rights Groups Petition U.S. To Stop Haitian Deportations – 15 January 2011

Amnesty International – Dominican Republic Must Stop Forcible Deportation of Haitians – 7 January 2011

Public Radio International – U.S. Resumes Haitian Deportation – 14 January 2011