©️The Presidency
Port-au-Prince, December 18, 2025.- On Thursday, the Support Group for Returnees and Refugees (GARR) celebrated the 25th International Migrants Day, under the theme « My Great History, Culture and Development ». The event, held in the presence of Councillor-President Edgar Leblanc Fils, highlighted the contribution of Haitians to cultural and economic development in the Dominican Republic. It was also an opportunity to present a report on their working conditions in the Building and Public Works (BTP) sector, recalling that the protection of their rights is both a moral and a legal obligation.
During this celebration, GARR presented its official report on the working conditions of Haitians in the Building and Public Works (BTP) sector, revealing the challenges faced daily, including job insecurity, health risks and limited access to social protection. These findings highlight the importance of fully recognizing the role of migrants, who are actively involved in the construction and modernization of Dominican infrastructure and thus contribute significantly to the economic development of the country.
Aware of these challenges, the Haitian authorities, represented by Edgard Leblanc Fils, recalled that guaranteeing the dignity, security and rights of migrants is a collective responsibility. This position directly links the analysis of the report to the concrete actions expected, calling on institutions and employers to adopt measures to improve working conditions and promote inclusive and human rights-based development.
Thus, the 25th International Migrants Day not only highlighted the contributions of Haitians in the Dominican Republic, but also served as a platform to recall the urgency of effective protection of their rights. The event illustrated the importance of a continuous and coordinated dialogue between governmental and non-governmental actors to ensure that economic development is always accompanied by respect for human dignity and social justice for migrants.
R.J.
