The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) in Haiti expresses deep concern over the rising number of pregnant and breastfeeding women being deported from the Dominican Republic to Haiti, in violation of international standards.
According to the latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 20,000 individuals -- including a growing number of highly vulnerable women -- were deported by land in April 2025, marking a record number for a one-month period. At the Belladère and Ouanaminthe border crossings, the National Office for Migration (ONM) and IOM, in coordination with other partners, have assisted an average of 15 pregnant women and 15 breastfeeding mothers per day since 22 April.
"It is imperative that commitments to protecting vulnerable populations are upheld. These expulsions raise serious humanitarian and human rights concerns, particularly when they involve pregnant women or mothers with very young children," said Ulrika Richardson, United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti.
These deportations compound an already complex humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people across the country. Armed violence in several regions has displaced more than one million individuals.
In addition, food insecurity continues to worsen nationwide. Over 5.7 million people -- half the population -- are currently facing acute food insecurity, with pockets of near-famine conditions.
In response to this situation, United Nations agencies and their humanitarian partners, in coordination with Haitian authorities, are mobilizing to address the most urgent needs -- including through the provision of safe drinking water, adapted hygiene kits, medical care, temporary shelter, psychosocial support, and food assistance.
The Humanitarian Country Team in Haiti calls for migration policies that uphold human dignity and urges enhanced regional solidarity to address a crisis that transcends borders and endangers the rights and lives of thousands.
For more information, please contact:
Claire-Emmanuelle Pressoir, Public Information Officer, OCHA Haiti, Port-au-Prince [email protected]