Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Appoints to Jamaica’s Refugee Policy
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, is committed to adhering to Jamaica’s refugee policy.
The Policy in Place
Jamaica is the only country in the Caribbean with a refugee policy, and we stick to it. We are compliant with our policy and best practice, Minister Johnson Smith replied to questions from Opposition Members regarding the repatriation of Haitian nationals from Jamaica.
The Context
Haiti has been experiencing humanitarian, security, socio-economic, and political crises, resulting in a number of its citizens fleeing to and seeking asylum in other countries, including Jamaica.
The Legal Process
Regarding the Government’s treatment of these individuals upon arrival, Senator Johnson Smith pointed out that there is a legal process. "When someone claims asylum or claims refugee status, there is a legal process to prove that you are entitled to that," she explained. She added that there are several persons whose cases are now under appeal.
Sensitivity and Appropriate Response
Minister Johnson Smith underscored the administration’s sensitivity to the matter and efforts to ensure the appropriateness of the response, ensuring that the "best possible approach is taken."
Return of Repatriated Individuals
During the Friday meeting, Senator Johnson Smith informed her colleagues that Haitians who had been repatriated from Jamaica had been sent home with the consent of Haiti’s Government and their prior notification. "They have been treated with dignity. There have been no random or arbitrary detentions. We are also in touch with the Haitian Government… I am in touch with my counterpart, Dominique Dupuy," she said.
Managing the Situation
Senator Johnson Smith said the Jamaican Government continues to manage these circumstances with dignity, consideration, and within the law. "We view our managed and, I think, less numerically significant actions concerning the repatriation of Haitians to be the best possible balance at this time," the minister stated.
CARICOM Discussions
Meanwhile, Senator Johnson Smith advised that discussions are being held with CARICOM Foreign Affairs Ministers regarding the recent announcement by the Government of the Dominican Republic that it would deport up to 10,000 Haitians a week. "We are deeply concerned because there is quite a distinction to be made between mass deportations which are difficult to manage, which can create chaos, which creates… administrative and socio-economic weight, as opposed to where we are, engaged directly as we are and managing smaller numbers in return," she said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jamaican Government is committed to adhering to its refugee policy, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, including those seeking asylum. We recognize the challenges posed by the Haitian crisis and are working to address them in a humane and legal manner.
FAQs
- Q: What is Jamaica’s refugee policy?
A: Jamaica is the only country in the Caribbean with a refugee policy, and we stick to it. We are compliant with our policy and best practice. - Q: How does the Jamaican Government handle the repatriation of Haitian nationals?
A: We handle it with dignity, consideration, and within the law. Individuals are sent back to their home country with the consent of Haiti’s Government and prior notification. - Q: How does the Jamaican Government view mass deportation of Haitians?
A: We recognize countries’ right to manage their national circumstances, but we do not support mass deportation. It can create chaos and socio-economic weight. We are working to address the issue in a humane and legal manner.
About The Author
