Amnesty International has called on the Dominican Republic to ensure that its new leadership role in global health is matched by stronger protections for human rights and equal access to healthcare within the country. The statement was issued after the Dominican Republic assumed the presidency of the 79th World Health Assembly, one of the world’s most important international health forums. Amnesty emphasized that global leadership in health should be reflected in domestic policies that guarantee healthcare access for all people without racial discrimination.
The organization expressed serious concern about migration-related healthcare policies affecting Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent. Amnesty International argued that linking healthcare services with migration control measures creates fear among vulnerable communities and may discourage people from seeking medical treatment due to concerns about detention or deportation. According to the organization, this situation risks undermining public health and violating international human rights standards related to equality and non-discrimination.
Amnesty International specifically criticized protocols implemented in public hospitals that reportedly require identity checks and facilitate migration enforcement actions after medical treatment. The organization stated that these measures disproportionately affect Haitian communities and contribute to structural racial discrimination within the healthcare system. It urged Dominican authorities to immediately separate access to healthcare from immigration enforcement practices and ensure that no individual faces detention, expulsion, or discrimination after receiving medical assistance.
The issue has gained international attention due to the broader humanitarian and migration crisis involving Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about deportations, barriers to healthcare, and discriminatory treatment targeting Haitian migrants and people of Haitian ancestry. Amnesty International noted that these policies particularly affect pregnant women, children, and low-income families who may avoid hospitals or public services out of fear of immigration consequences.
At the same time, Dominican officials have promoted a global health agenda focused on mental health, equitable access to medicines, and strengthening healthcare systems during their presidency of the World Health Assembly. Amnesty International acknowledged the importance of international leadership but stressed that credibility in global health governance depends on ensuring consistent respect for human rights and non-discriminatory healthcare policies at the national level.
