Conectas expresses concern about Brazil's new immigration policy for Haitians

Conectas expressed today (January 11, 2012) concern about the fate of Haitian nationals who seek better living conditions in Brazil. Conectas fears that the threat of deportation made ​​yesterday by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and the restriction on the number of visas to be granted to Haitians - 100 per month - will increase the suffering of families trying to rebuild their lives in Brazil, fleeing decades of internal conflict, crime, poverty, political instability and natural disasters in their country of origin.

 

"It's time for Brazil to show its ability to handle this situation in a comprehensive manner, going beyond purely military concerns. Now, the plight of Haitians is no longer only located on a remote island, but it was transported to Brazil´s own territory, highlighting the social, humanitarian, legal and immigration aspects the rebuilding of Haiti imposes", said Camila Asano, Foreign Policy and Human Rights Coordinator at Conectas.

 

In addition, the threat of deportation made ​​by Brazil cannot, in any way, hurt the right of"non-refoulement" of any citizen who has formally requested refugee status.

 

The Brazilian government should define with clarity, transparency and civil society participation how it plans to deal with the increasing number of foreigners seeking better living conditions in Brazil. 

 

Read the full statement from the Ministry of Justice on the new immigration policy for Haitians (in Portuguese):