The sugar refinery industry in the Dominican Republic is known to exploit Haitain immigrants and deny them of their human rights. Specifically, workers have suffered from inhumane treatment including being required to work long hours of manual labor in unsafe environments and exposure to cruel deportation practices which may involve repetitive beatings, being denied access to water and food, separation from family members, and in rare cases death. Further, they are not given identification cards after having worked a certain number of years making it difficult to gain access to any programs that may be available, as well as restricting their ability to travel.

To address these abuses, MOSCTHA´s department of Human Rights has implemented workshops to educate Haitian immigrants on their basic rights. Specifically, we have provided community lectures and training for workers and their families. Additionally, we are raising public awareness by using social networks to encourage the Dominican Republic government to recognize and reinforce the rights of these immigrants.

Further, we have Helped hundreds of Haitian immigrants obtain residence permits in the Dominican Republic. And we are working closely with the Dominican consulate to allow Haitian immigrants to return to Haiti. This will enable them to get their papers in order so that they have the necessary documents to qualify for a temporary visa in the Dominican Republic.