Port-au-Prince, 20 December – Amid a marked increase in deportations of Haitian migrants from the Dominican Republic, France has decided to allocate a new voluntary contribution of €2 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This support will assist and expand IOM’s critical work at the Haitian border to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. 

Since October 2024, deportations have averaged 5,000 people per week, representing a 40 percent increase compared to the previous quarter. According to data from IOM and the Haitian National Office for Migration (ONM), nearly 60,000 migrants have been returned to Haiti since October. This surge has overwhelmed local reception and assistance capacities, further exacerbating an already fragile humanitarian situation. 

Antoine Michon, Ambassador of France to Haiti, stated: “This contribution reflects France’s unwavering solidarity with the Haitian people during a time of great difficulty. Faced with this unprecedented migration crisis, we are strengthening our partnership with IOM to provide concrete and immediate assistance. This support demonstrates our shared commitment to meeting essential needs while preparing for sustainable solutions. This contribution reflects France's concrete commitment to humanitarian efforts in Haiti, with assistance increasing from €9 million in 2023 to €16 million in 2024, including €10.5 million in food aid to support the school feeding program, as well as emergency aid for displaced persons, particularly women and young girls.” 

IOM, already active at border crossings such as Ouanaminthe and Belladère, with additional points under consideration, where it provides critical humanitarian assistance to deported migrants. Since the onset of this crisis and in collaboration with local authorities, including ONM, IOM has distributed over 550 dignity kits, conducted medical consultations, and offered psychosocial support to the most vulnerable migrants. Beneficiaries include unaccompanied women, children separated from their families, and elderly individuals, often arriving without resources or community support.  

To better address individual needs, IOM has also implemented tailored assistance. For instance, nearly 900 people have received clothing and essential hygiene items instead of standard kits. Additionally, through its transportation assistance program, IOM has enabled more than 7,000 migrants to reunite with their families or reach safer areas. 

This humanitarian crisis unfolds within a broader context of multidimensional challenges that have plagued Haiti for years. The country faces repeated natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, alongside an alarming and ongoing deterioration of the security situation. Violence perpetrated by hundreds of armed gangs, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, has intensified and spread to the provinces. In this degraded environment, displaced and deported populations face increased needs for assistance and protection. 

Grégoire Goodstein, IOM Chief of Mission in Haiti, added: “France’s contribution is essential to enable IOM to continue and expand its support to deported migrants. This gesture of confidence drives us to redouble our efforts to provide the best possible support to deported migrants, meet their immediate needs, and contribute to durable solutions. Every day, we witness the devastating effects of this crisis, but with this support, we can continue to deliver concrete responses and alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable.” 

For more information: 

IOM in Haiti: Antoine Lemonnier, alemonnier@iom.int 

Embassy of France in Haiti: ambafranceht@gmail.com