KINGSTON, Jamaica — Human rights advocacy group Stand Up for Jamaica has issued a scathing condemnation of the Jamaican Government’s treatment of Haitian migrants, following the forced repatriation of 50 Haitian nationals earlier this week. In a strongly worded statement, the organization labeled current immigration practices as both “racist” and “unlawful,” calling on the Government to uphold international human rights obligations.
“The Jamaican Government’s racist policies toward Haitian asylum seekers are not only unjust and inhumane — they are unlawful,” the group said in its statement. “Stand Up for Jamaica joins other human rights organizations in calling on the government to respect and uphold human rights, honor its obligations under international treaties, and respect human beings with dignity.”
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The advocacy group emphasized that Jamaica is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, binding the country to the principle of non-refoulement — a legal obligation not to return individuals to a country where they face threats to life or freedom.
“We are legally and morally obligated not to return anyone to a country where their life or freedom is threatened. Yet, we are watching our leaders do just that – repeatedly,” the statement continued.
Allegations of Obstruction and Inhumane Treatment
Stand Up for Jamaica went further, accusing the Government of obstructing legal and humanitarian assistance to Haitian migrants. It cited restricted access to legal representation and detention centers as a violation of due process and international norms.
“Legal access is being denied. Human rights defenders are being shut out of detention centers. Lawyers like Malene Alleyne of Freedom Imaginaries are barred from seeing clients. This is not just unjust — it is unlawful and shameful,” the group asserted.
The criticism comes in response to the May 18 arrival of over 40 Haitian nationals in Portland, who were immediately detained. Stand Up for Jamaica contends that the migrants, who arrived speaking French Creole, were treated as criminals despite having committed no offense.
“They have not committed a crime. They came seeking safety. And instead, they are being treated like criminals. No due process. No asylum hearings. No compassion. The conditions in which they are being held are appalling,” the group said.
Reports from within the detention centers describe overcrowded conditions, lack of hygiene, inadequate access to food and water, and severe emotional trauma. The organization argued that such conditions violate basic human dignity and international standards for the treatment of asylum seekers.
Broader Context of Crisis in Haiti
The advocacy group’s statement comes against the backdrop of a worsening crisis in Haiti, where rampant gang violence, political instability, and failing infrastructure have driven thousands from their homes. The United Nations has highlighted that Haiti’s capital and surrounding areas are plagued by armed conflict, forcing families to flee for safety. Compounding the crisis are climate-related displacements and a near collapse of medical services in several regions of the country.
In light of these conditions, Stand Up for Jamaica criticized the Government’s repatriation efforts as a blatant disregard for the humanitarian emergency unfolding in Haiti.
“What is happening to Haitian refugees on Jamaican soil is nothing short of a scandal and a national shame. Our government, in direct violation of international law and the fundamental principles of human rights, is forcibly returning Haitian men, women and children to the very conditions they are fleeing — chaos, persecution and death,” the group stated.
The organization called the May 21 deportation “a total disregard for humanitarian assistance and for human life,” urging immediate action from Jamaican authorities and the international community.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
Stand Up for Jamaica has joined a growing chorus of voices — including local legal advocates, international watchdogs, and civil society groups — demanding policy reform and accountability. The group insists that Jamaica must not only stop the forced returns but also create a transparent and humane asylum process that aligns with its international commitments.
The group’s appeal underscores a broader reckoning within the Caribbean and Latin America, where migration from Haiti has intensified amid compounding crises. As states grapple with legal and ethical responsibilities, Stand Up for Jamaica is adamant that Jamaica must lead with compassion, not criminalization.
“The treatment of Haitian refugees is a test of our humanity,” the statement concluded. “And right now, we are failing.”
