Claims that up to 200,000 Haitian kids could be smuggled into the Dominican Republic

posted on: Mar 3 2010 9:50 by Royston. Viewed 382 times.


Top military officials in the border area between the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Tuesday rescued nine Haitian children between four and ten years old in a vehicle traveling to Santiago.

The children were being taken by Lula Toushino, who was arrested by the authorities who said the children would be sent back home.

The increased trafficking of Haitian children after the earthquake of 12 January has been repeatedly denounced by Haitian and Dominican organizations.

Human rights organizations from both countries have demanded joint action from their respective governments to stop the crime.

Before the earthquake struck, dozens of Haitian children were being transported from the border to Santiago, Puerto Plata and other places in Cibao, where adults put them to work  to beg from motorists and passersby. They can be seen on the corners of busy streets in many cities, in hot sun or heavy rain,  cleaning car windows, selling phone cards, vehicle accessories and other items.

Rights organizations in the northern region and in the capital have been highlighting the plight of these children. They have asked the government to take action, saying that the situation is a time bomb with potential for serious consequences.

They say that border control is weak and is open to bribery.

Reports suggest that gangs operating in Haiti in league with Dominicans, have taken the opportunity left by the earthquake to smuggle immigrants, particularly children. It is claimed that as many as 200,000 children, mainly orphans, could be brought across the border.