OBMICA STATEMENT

Following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the government of the Dominican Republic, aimed at reducing the risk of the spread of COVID-19 under the threat of an unprecedented international health crisis, the team of the Centre for Migration Observation and Social Development in the Caribbean (OBMICA) has been teleworking since Tuesday, March 17.

Those wishing to contact us may do so through email. Like many civil society organizations, we are adapting our work dynamic in order to continue providing our usual service.

The Dominican-Haitian Encounter Network Jacques Viau (REDH-JV), of which OBMICA is a member, has called on Dominican society, especially government authorities, to join efforts for a COVID-19 prevention and response that is supportive and respectful of the human rights of all people living in the national territory.

We endorse the requests of REDH-JV, urging a spirit of solidarity, access to health services without discrimination, guarantees of rights, and protection for migrants, refugees, and Dominicans of Haitian descent who are among the populations in greatest vulnerability in the country.

Finally, we join the call for civic responsibility so that people remain at home during the quarantine period and comply with any subsequent measures that may be necessary in order to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/24/2020