The general director of Migration (DGM), Vice Admiral Luis R. Lee Ballester, met with representatives of organizations of the United Nations Organization (UN), which develop programs related to migration, human rights and children in the country.
During the meeting, the head of the DGM presented the plan for interdiction and reinforcement of the immigration control which is executed to reduce excess migrant population that is perceived in the country’s communities.
Lee Ballester reiterated that, in compliance with the provision of the President Luis Abinaderwill comply and enforce the dominican laws and reaffirmed its commitment to respect all international protocols and standards that ensure the dignity and rights of returnees.
“We will ensure that the due processwithin the framework of respect for the fundamental rights of every human being, boys, girls and adolescents, while guaranteeing security, order and compliance with law 285-04, which governs us,” he said in a press release.
In the activity, held in the meeting room of the DGMdelegates from the International Organization for the Migrations (IOM), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (OCR), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), the United Nations Population and Family Fund (UNFPA).
The executive president of the National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONANI), Dominican entity that supports the DGM in attention to cases of undocumented immigrant children and adolescents to be repatriated.
Lee Ballester explained the importance of these organizations and agencies cooperating with official programs not only to comply with international standards, but also “for the development and improvement of the capabilities used by the DGM in the operational of immigration interdiction”.
He highlighted the importance of articulating a strategic alliance “to put the house in order, without lacerating or harming people,” because it is legitimate for the government regulate the presence of irregular migrants, in accordance with what is established by the country’s laws.
The Lord Rodrigo Castanedainterim resident coordinator of the agencies of the UN who are represented in the Dominican Republic, thanked the invitation of the DGM to the meeting, and expressed the willingness to collaborate to strengthen the institution, the exchange of good practices, the development of action protocols, and the training and development of personnel.
