The Dominican Republic has issued a formal rebuttal to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) regarding concerns about its migration policies, asserting its sovereign right to regulate border control while maintaining human rights protections. The government’s response, dated February 2026, addresses what it characterizes as disproportionate criticism from the regional body.
In its comprehensive statement, the Dominican government emphasized its dual commitment to upholding human rights principles while enforcing national immigration laws. Authorities framed the nation’s migration challenges within the context of Haiti’s prolonged political and humanitarian crisis, which has created sustained migratory pressure on the Dominican Republic for decades.
The Caribbean nation defended its immigration measures as necessary responses to extraordinary circumstances, stating that no sovereign state can be compelled to provide protection or services to another country’s population during governmental collapse. The government specifically rejected the IACHR’s recommendation to broadly apply the principle of non-refoulement to migrants in irregular status, arguing this would effectively force the Dominican State to accept unlimited Haitian immigration.
Regarding healthcare access, officials clarified that emergency medical services are never denied based on immigration status, with special protocols implemented for vulnerable groups including pregnant women, children, and patients with special needs. The statement also highlighted infrastructure improvements at immigration processing centers and a zero-tolerance policy toward inhumane treatment.
The Dominican government expressed concern that the IACHR appeared to prioritize unverified allegations over official data, while simultaneously reaffirming its commitment to technical cooperation with the Commission based on mutual respect and good faith. Authorities emphasized that balanced solutions must incorporate verifiable information and recognize the regional context of the migration crisis.