Amnesty International is calling for a thorough investigation into the death of a young man, reportedly of Haitian origin, during a migration operation in Verón, Punta Cana, on October 3. The young man was shot by an officer from the General Directorate of Migration, sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest. Preliminary reports indicate he died from hemorrhagic shock due to his injury.
Ana Piquer, Amnesty International’s Americas Director, emphasized the necessity of an independent inquiry, stating, “No death occurring in the context of migration enforcement operations should go uninvestigated.” She reiterated the obligation of Dominican authorities to conduct a timely and impartial investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine accountability.
Piquer further noted that both Amnesty International and local organizations have documented ongoing issues related to the Dominican Republic’s migration policies, including allegations of racial profiling, arbitrary detentions, and collective expulsions. She insisted that these factors must be taken into account during the investigation, advocating for accountability for any violations of human rights that may have occurred.
She raised critical concerns regarding the use of firearms in such operations, urging authorities to clarify the conditions under which firearms were discharged. “The intentional use of lethal force is permissible only when several conditions have been met and when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect life,” she stated, emphasizing that a person’s immigration status should never justify unlawful use of force.
Piquer also highlighted that the lack of effective investigations and accountability has contributed to a climate of impunity that perpetuates human rights abuses within migration enforcement contexts. She called on Dominican authorities not only to investigate the recent death but also to reform practices that discriminate based on national origin or skin color.
The Dominican Republic faces ongoing scrutiny over its migration policies, especially regarding treatment of migrants. As this investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the country’s commitment to uphold human rights standards amid complex migratory challenges.
