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CITIZENSHIP AND THE HAITIAN CONFLICT IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Haitian Dominican conflict has persisted since the colonial period of the island in the early 1800s and is no closer to ending. With recent citizenship policy changes, leaving more than 200,000 stateless within the Dominican Republic whether of Haitian descent or not, this conflict has persisted. The political discourse generated by the government is disconnected from the reality faced by the Haitians and must be addressed. In addition, the racist colloquial language that has emerged reveals this underlying racism within their society and perpetuates the narratives and ideologies presented by the government. As a result, both discourses continue to marginalize this population and further displace them. This issue is multi-faceted and my goal is to educate and inform those that are unaware of these Human Rights violations on this small Caribbean island. Click the Learn Now button below to start learning.

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THE MANY NARRATIVES

How do the various sides to the conflict have an impact?

These selected quotes represent a few examples of the complicated debate of citizenship for Haitian immigrants and the influence of racism in the conflict.

Dominican Constitution 2010

"Dominicans are: the persons born in the national territory, with the exception of...foreigners in transit or residing illegally in the Dominican territory"

Dominican resident

“So, their rites, they make rites like, satanic in their country. So they need to be in their country, not in our country because with us it is not the same. But at least they respect our religion”

UNHCR

"UNHCR urges Dominican Republic government to refrain from deporting stateless individuals"

THE THREE SIDES TO THE CONFLICT

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THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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WESTERN ORGANIZATIONS

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HAITI

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