Following a complaint filed with the regional human rights body, IACHR, Guyana faces potential international sanctions over its treatment of Haitian refugees, a matter now under scrutiny by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
Guyana’s Advisor on Border Issues and former Foreign Secretary Carl Greenidge, disclosed that the IACHR is preparing for a virtual hearing to delve into the ‘Situation of Human Rights of Haitian People in Human Mobility in the Region.’
This hearing aims to bring to light the escalating abuses and discrimination Haitian migrants endure across the Americas, with a growing concern over similar incidents in the Caribbean.
According to Greenidge, reports suggest that Guyana, a signatory to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that mandates hassle-free travel for Haitians, has been violating this right.
The IACHR’s focus will be on the alleged racist and xenophobic rhetoric in Guyana and other CARICOM states, stigmatizing Haitians as undesirable migrants.
Contrasting sharply with the experiences of Haitian migrants, Venezuelans, Cubans, and Brazilians in Guyana face markedly different treatment.
Despite their visibility in Georgetown and often being trafficked or employed without work permits, these groups do not attract the same level of police attention. This disparity has not only raised questions about Guyana’s immigration policies but also its adherence to human rights standards.
The issue of discriminatory treatment of Haitians in Guyana has legal and human rights implications. Citing a decision by the Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, Greenidge noted that Haitian migrants have been subjected to arrest, fines, and deportation under the pretext of being victims of human trafficking.
However, the actual traffickers often evade legal consequences. This approach starkly contrasts with the handling of Venezuelan, Cuban, and Brazilian migrants, who, despite their significant presence, seldom face similar legal actions.
The disparity was brought into sharp focus following an intervention by Chief Justice George-Wiltshire. More than a year ago, she annulled a deportation order issued by a magistrate for a group of Haitian nationals.
This order was granted without formal charges or court appearances, breaching principles of natural justice and violating the Haitians’ rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement as enshrined in the Immigration Act and Guyana’s constitution.
Furthermore, the inconsistent treatment of Haitian refugees compared to other migrants is not just a domestic issue but one that resonates on the international stage.
It undermines Guyana’s standing in the global community and raises serious questions about its commitment to human rights and non-discrimination.
As Guyana awaits the IACHR’s hearing and its outcomes, the international community’s eyes are on how it navigates this complex and sensitive issue.
The country’s policies and actions in the coming days will not only determine its international reputation but also the lives and dignity of many seeking refuge within its borders.
Meanwhile, in Jamaica, the Human rights group Freedom Imaginaries are threatening to take Jamaica to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) as a result of the manner in which they have treated Haitians who land on Jamaica’s shores seeking refuge.
The last three groups of Haitians who landed in Jamaica were unceremoniously placed on a coast guard vessel and transported back to Haiti in contravention of the principle of non-refoulement, one of the most important principles in the Refugee Convention to which Jamaica is a signatory.
While the government cites security and legal procedures, critics argue that this rapid return policy lacks humanitarian consideration due process and violates its signed international conventions, particularly that of “refoulement.”
Mickel Jackson, Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice, speaking on Radio Jamaica’s “Beyond the Headlines,” expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation.
“These are not just numbers; they are people fleeing dire circumstances, seeking refuge,” Jackson stated. “Each individual deserves an assessment before we decide their fate. Sending them back without proper evaluation is not just a policy issue; it’s a humanitarian one.”
The situation took a critical turn recently, when another group of Haitians, shortly after arriving in Portland, were sent back to their homeland without access to legal counsel. This has sparked a wider debate on the need for a more empathetic and legally sound approach to handling asylum seekers.
In fact, Malene Alleyne, attorney and founder of Freedom Imaginaries, has threatened to take the matter to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
