16527: (Arthur) Report calls for Caribbean policy reforms for migrants in poverty (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Tttnhm@aol.com

Minority Rights Group International


Press Release         19 August 2003        For immediate release

Report calls for Caribbean policy reforms for migrants in poverty

As the 200th anniversary of Haiti's independence following a slave rebellion
approaches in 2004, the poverty and human rights abuses Haitians suffer in
their own country frequently force them to migrate in order to seek a better
life. Ironically, what often awaits them is prejudice, discrimination,
continuing poverty, and in some cases, conditions which are in fact a form
of modern-day slavery.

Such are the findings of a new report launched today by Minority Rights
Group International (MRG), which highlights the continuing plight of
migrants in the Caribbean. Many migrants are accepted by countries such as
the Dominican Republic to fill labour gaps, yet they are also discriminated
against as a threat to resources and due to ethnicity, skin colour or
socio-cultural differences (antihaitianismo). An often 'invisible' minority,
many migrants are undocumented, leaving them few rights under domestic law
and liable to the threat of rapid deportation, resulting in a precarious and
highly marginalized existence. For example, labour rights as enshrined by
bodies including the International Labour Organization (ILO) are often
ignored, and children of migrants may be unable to register for education or
to claim legitimate rights of citizenship.

The report's author and expert on Caribbean societies, James Ferguson,
examines the role of key issues including the lack of development, poverty,
inequality and political instability which exist in both sending and
receiving states in his analysis of 'push' and 'pull' factors influencing
migration. The report focuses largely on the Dominican Republic, which has
the largest influx of migrants due to its proximity to Haiti and also one of
the worst records of human rights abuses of migrant workers, including
Haitian cane-cutters. MRG presents recommendations to improve the situation
of migrant workers in the Caribbean which include a call for the Dominican
government to honour its commitments under the December 1999 protocol of
understanding with the Haitian government regarding repatriations, and
measures to prevent illegal trafficking of migrants.

Director of Minority Rights Group International, Mark Lattimer, stated 'Both
sending and receiving governments should support our call for respect for
the rights of migrants. What better time than this historic anniversary for
the region to make a concerted effort to address this situation in a
constructive way and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination and
human rights.'

The International Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers came into
force in July 2003 but has yet to be ratified by any governments in the
Caribbean islands. Minority Rights Group International calls on these
governments to ratify the Convention, and other relevant international
instruments without delay and to implement fully their provisions in regard
to migrant workers and their families.


Notes for editors:

1. Migration in the Caribbean: Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Beyond by
James Ferguson. ISBN 1 904584 07 1. 38pp. Published by Minority Rights Group
International, August 2003.

For interviews, further information or copies of Migration in the Caribbean:
Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Beyond, please contact the Press Office at
MRG on +44 (0) 20 7978 9498 or 07734768223 (mobile), email:
graham.fox@mrgmail.org. This report is available online at:
http://www.minorityrights.org/OnlineReports/OnlineReport.asp?ID=33


Minority Rights Group International (MRG) is a non-governmental organization
working to secure the rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
and indigenous peoples worldwide, and to promote cooperation and
understanding between communities.
www.minorityright.org

ENDS/

______________________________________________


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See the Haiti Support Group web site:
www.haitisupport.gn.apc.org

Solidarity with the Haitian people's struggle for justice, participatory
democracy and equitable development, since 1992.
____________________________________________