Haitians returning from the Dominican Republic are facing drought, poverty and lack of opportunities in the department of South-East of Haiti, where the majority of Haitians crossings have been observed since June. According to International Organization for Migration (IOM) border monitoring reports, most of the families have crossed the border spontaneously, mentioning that they feared being deported without their relatives and losing their belongings.

Due to the scarcity of resources, poor access to basic services and lack of job opportunities, crossing to the Dominican Republic to access health care, public schools or work in the agricultural or construction sector was a traditional coping mechanism for many Haitian families in the area.

Upon returning to Haiti, some returnees went back to their community of origin, to be hosted by relatives or to rent a home, while others, with nowhere to go, gathered in makeshift shelters in the dusty surroundings of Anse-à-Pitres.

Parc Kado is one of the four informal settlements that have sprung up in the area, lacking in the most essential services. It appears as a host of multicolor tents amidst an arid ground, scourged by the heat and covered with dust. Residents have used tree branches, bamboo sticks, cardboard and even bedsheets to build their makeshift shelters.

Many returnees wish to remain in their native Haiti, provided that they can work and have a place to call home.

Let's recaall that since 17 June, IOM has carried out border monitoring activities and referred the most vulnerable protection cases, including refugees, unaccompanied minors, separated families, the elderly and disabled, to relevant governmental institutions and international organizations for appropriate individual assistance.

HL/ HaItiLibre