Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mao-Monte Cristi (Agenzia Fides) - Following several incidents of violence against migrants which occurred on both sides of the island of Hispaniola, which are creating a clash between Dominican Republic and Haiti, due to the closure of borders and the tension between the people who live on the border (see Fides 28/01/2015), the National Commission for the Pastoral care of Migrants of the Dominican Episcopal Conference (EDC) has asked the authorities of both countries not to encourage violence and not to promote hatred among fellow citizens.
According to the note sent to Fides by a local source, the Bishop of Mao-Montecristi, His Exc. Mgr. Diomedes Espinal, who is Chairman of the National Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants of the EDC, has issued a statement in which he reaffirms that the Dominican Republic and Haiti "are two countries that share the island, therefore they are called to cultivate a culture of peace and good neighborliness". He further pointed out that "if necessary measures are not taken, tensions will increase, and the situation could escalate into a conflict with unpredictable consequences".
According to the document, also signed by Father Julio Acosta, Executive Secretary of the Commission, the Catholic Church calls on the authorities of the two countries to "respect the human dignity of migrants, in particular the most vulnerable and helpless, with no papers and documents". Mgr. Espinal and father Acosta have also asked "to address the issues" with genuine political will". (CE) (Agenzia Fides 16/03/2015)
