International Migrants Day: Edgard Leblanc Fils Praises the Contribution of Haitians Living in the Dominican Republic
By Jean Wesley Pierre · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
The Advisor-President Edgard Leblanc Fils participated, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in the celebration of International Migrants Day, organized by the Support Group for Repatriated Persons and Refugees (GARR). The event was part of the 25th edition of this commemorative day and was held under the theme: « My Great Story, Culture and Development ».
This initiative aimed to highlight the role, economic and social contributions, as well as the cultural impact of Haitian migrants living in the Dominican Republic, in a context marked by persistent challenges related to their living and working conditions.
Presentation of a report on working conditions
On the occasion of this event, GARR officially presented the report titled: « Study on the Working Conditions of Haitian Migrants in the Building and Public Works (BTP) Sector in the Dominican Republic ». This study provides an overview of the realities faced by Haitian workers employed in this key sector of the Dominican economy.
The organization's officials emphasized the importance of documenting these conditions to inform public policies and strengthen mechanisms for protecting migrants' rights.
A call for collective responsibility
Taking advantage of this platform, GARR leaders launched a solemn appeal for collective responsibility, recalling that the defense of migrants' rights is a moral, legal, and human obligation, and should not be considered a favor or an act of charity.
They advocated for increased commitment from authorities, institutions, and civil society, both nationally and regionally, to ensure respect for the human dignity of Haitian migrants. The participation of Advisor-President Edgard Leblanc Fils was interpreted as a signal of the Transitional Presidential Council's commitment to recognizing the contribution of Haitian migrants to development, while affirming the need to strengthen the protection of their fundamental rights. Through this presence, the authorities intend to promote an inclusive development approach, based on respect for human rights and the valorization of the role of Haitians in the diaspora in national and regional dynamics.
They advocated for increased commitment from authorities, institutions, and civil society, both nationally and regionally, to ensure respect for the human dignity of Haitian migrants. The participation of Advisor-President Edgard Leblanc Fils was interpreted as a signal of the Transitional Presidential Council's commitment to recognizing the contribution of Haitian migrants to development, while affirming the need to strengthen the protection of their fundamental rights. Through this presence, the authorities intend to promote an inclusive development approach, based on respect for human rights and the valorization of the role of Haitians in the diaspora in national and regional dynamics.
