Access to Healthcare for Pregnant Haitian Migrant Women and Girls in the Dominican Republic
On November 8, 2023, Hearing Number 4 of the 188 period of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, entitled, “Access to Healthcare for Pregnant Haitian Migrant Women and Girls in the Dominican Republic,” was held.
This hearing was requested by the Centro de Orientación e Investigación Integral (COIN); Observatorio de Derechos Humanos para Grupos Vulnerabilizados, Movimiento Socio Cultural de Trabajadores Haitianos, and the Comision Nacional de los Derechos Humanos of the Dominican Republic.
Representatives of the State; Civil Society, and the National Human Rights Commission of the Dominican Republic, participated in this hearing.
The object of this hearing was to present updated information on arbitrary detentions, mistreatment, and violations of access to sexual and reproductive health for pregnant women, women in labor, and Haitian migrant children and adolescents in the Dominican Republic.
Access to Healthcare for Pregnant Haitian Migrant Women in the Dominican Republic
Civil Society presented their statements first
Juan Alberto Francisco’s Statement
“My name is Juan Alberto Francisco, together with my colleagues Jenny Morón, Manuel de Jesús de André, and Elena Lorac, we address you on behalf of the human rights defense and promotion organizations in the Dominican Republic that are part of this request with technical support from the Institute on Race Equality and Human Rights. We appreciate the granting of this thematic hearing on access to healthcare for pregnant Haitian migrant women.
The purpose of this hearing is to provide updated information on the human rights situation in the Dominican Republic, specifically regarding acts committed by government officials through the General Directorate of Immigration and other military bodies. In some cases, this involvement extends to healthcare personnel in hospitals and maternity wards.”
“Currently, Haitian immigrant women and Dominican women of Haitian descent or phenotypically identified as black are facing a more severe situation than that experienced in the apartheid era of South Africa. At least then, they could go to a hospital to seek care. But in our country, access to healthcare is not guaranteed due to government pressure and legislation, leading pregnant women to fear seeking medical services,” Juan Alberto Francisco.
“The government has sought to use the precarious state of the healthcare system to justify discrimination against allegedly immigrant women and girls of Haitian descent.
This discrimination has been historically and structurally directed towards individuals of Haitian descent in the country, a situation well-documented by both this honorable commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, as well as multiple United Nations mechanisms,” Juan Alberto Francisco.
“The Dominican Republic faces numerous challenges in public health, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including irregularities in care, low healthcare quality, high medication costs, and limited coverage for social security affiliates,” Juan Alberto Francisco.
“The government attempted to restrict access to healthcare and vaccines for individuals without documentation, primarily migrants, contradicting Resolution 120 on the pandemic and human rights by this honorable commission.
Haitian immigrant women and Dominican women of Haitian descent have historically been excluded and discriminated against, particularly in healthcare for pregnant girls and women residing in marginalized neighborhoods and remote communities,” Juan Alberto Francisco.
“As a result of policies of the State and according to official figures and data from the Refugee and Repatriated Support Group, between 2021 and June 2023, 342,820 people were deported to Haiti, including 2,159 pregnant women and 2,981 unaccompanied minors, mostly Haitian immigrants and undocumented Dominicans,” Juan Alberto Francisco.
Jenny Morón’s Statement
“Discrimination is endemic and systemic in the Dominican Republic, affecting Afro-descendant migrants, specifically girls, women, Dominican women of Haitian descent, undocumented pregnant Haitian migrants with dark skin, impoverished, and vulnerable backgrounds.”
“They are victims of persecution, extortion, arrest, torture, obstetric violence, sexual violence, deportations, and mass expulsions without due process and without considering human rights protection norms,” Jenny Morón.
“The expulsion and repatriation process of migrants, according to Law 285-04, falls under the responsibility of the General Directorate of Immigration.
However, Decree 668-22, issued by the executive branch, expanded the scope to include the National Police and the armed forces in migration control, leading to frequent migration enforcement operations outside regular hours, characterized by informality, corruption, and violence.
On September 28, 2021, the National Migration Council instructed measures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals, including pregnant women beyond six months, to relieve the financial burden on public finances.
These measures strengthened the discourse initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic by the central government, resulting in increased migration raids inside and outside healthcare centers.
Hate speech towards the Haitian migrant population and deportations of pregnant women and children intensified.
In November 2021, new measures were announced, including auditing the National Regularization Plan to review migrants’ immigration documents and establishing 38 offices nationwide for this purpose.
Identifying individuals from this community, it is crucial to emphasize that these measures were not only applied to Haitian migrants but, in practical terms, also included Dominican individuals and Dominicans of Haitian ancestry, victims of Sentence 168-13, and purported beneficiaries of Law 169-14 under the literal interpretation of section B, who, according to racial stereotypes, are not considered Dominicans by the State.
The migratory practice being carried out in recent months in the country contradicts both national and international law.
Detentions for immigration purposes in cases of pregnant women have an established procedure, as outlined in Article 134 of the decree implementing the General Immigration Law.
Furthermore, Article 55, numeral 6, of the Dominican Constitution asserts that motherhood, regardless of social or marital status, is entitled to the protection of public rights, and women are entitled to official assistance in cases of abandonment.
Similarly, the General Health Law of the Dominican Republic aims to promote, protect, improve, and restore the health of individuals and communities. However, in this case, it has not been effective in achieving its purpose.”
“Medical services should not be limited by an individual’s legal status. Transforming healthcare centers, including maternity wards, into places of detention for the deportation of women violates Article 12, paragraph 2, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,” Jenny Morón.
“The State must ensure appropriate services for pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, even providing free services when necessary, ensuring adequate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.
It is noteworthy that the Dominican Republic is a signatory to ILO Convention 183 since 2014, the most recent international legal instrument for maternity protection,” Jenny Morón.
Manuel de Jesús de André’s Testimony
“Despite these provisions, a fierce persecution against Haitian migrant women and Dominicans of Haitian descent who became undocumented, stateless, and especially those in a pregnant condition, has escalated. They faced arrests, deportation, expulsion, violating constitutional, legal, and current international norms.
Civil society organizations have gathered testimonies and physical evidence related to migration controls in access areas to health centers, even within urban maternity wards, in urban centers hindering women’s movement to places providing health services.
An example is the case of Diana Yang on April 23, 2022, a typical consequence of lacking identity documents for a third-generation Dominican of Haitian descent.”
“Diana was denied medical follow-up for her pregnancy at seven months gestation and had received no prior medical attention. Her prenatal care requests were rejected on the grounds of being an undocumented Haitian,” Manuel de Jesús de André.
“Diana, represented by a legal team, filed a lawsuit seeking a precautionary measure to address her pregnancy-related medical care.
The court rejected Diana’s medical care requests, and she was forced to give birth in her community, facing risks for herself and her child,” Manuel de Jesús de André.
“On July 20, 2023, at the Igüey Maternity, migration agents, without a court order, forcefully entered, detained, and transported all black women who seemed Haitian, including pulling out of the rooms, pregnant women and those with children, to a mobile detention truck for deportation,” Manuel de Jesús de André.
“The following day, at the Engombe Municipal Hospital, a raid was conducted seeking pregnant Haitian women, resulting in the detention of several women for subsequent deportation to the Jaina detention center.
Other arbitrary arrests carried out by immigration control occurred in the Veron polyclinic where 13 women and their children were victims in the province of La Vega, in the Regional University Hospital, Dr Luis Morillo King, the laboratory and outpatient consultation areas were intervened, where all the women who were there were arrested. The same thing happened in the province of Santiago in the Presidente Estrella Hurena hospital. These events occurred in the health center hospitals,” Manuel de Jesús de André.
“These arbitrary arrests, practiced by migration control brigades in healthcare centers, occurred in different areas of the country, violating international standards and the Migration Law 285-4 and its regulations,” Manuel de Jesús de André.
“They are additional violations of rights through arbitrary arrests, demonstrating a policy focused on persecuting Haitian immigrant individuals, especially those in a pregnant state, without respecting due process or the human dignity of these affected women, thereby violating the current constitution, the Migration Law 285, and its regulations, as well as international human rights agreements. The next segment presents a video illustrating the reported events,” Manuel de Jesús de André.
During the hearing, the civil society group showed a video. Here is an excerpt of the translated text:
“The situation of deportations of the Haitian and Dominican-Haitian population in the Dominican Republic due to the persecution and deportation of pregnant, birthing, or lactating women, as well as unaccompanied minors, is a serious violation of human rights and must stop.”
“Upon entering the medical consultation, migration authorities were immediately called to apprehend us. They visited several hospitals to arrest other pregnant women and later took us to a detention center. At noon, I was taken to another hospital for a cesarean section,” testimony from video excerpt shown during the hearing.
“The illegal deportation of Haitian and Dominican-Haitian individuals in the Dominican Republic highlights the racist bias and historical marginalization faced by this population in the country. Currently, the situation is extremely challenging for Haitian migrants, as their rights continue to be violated in the Dominican Republic.
They are mistreated, taken from their homes at night without regard for their status or situation, whether regular or not. Even those with documents are targeted,” excerpt of video shown during the hearing.
“They are so racist that they take people away even if they have documents. Look, I have my document, many people have them. Its objective is not to persecute Haitian migrants in an irregular situation but to persecute all Haitians who are on Dominican soil. Furthermore, if you are black and have curly hair, they identify you as Haitian,” per video excerpt shown during the hearing.
“This racist attitude has a significant impact on the health of pregnant women, as many decide to avoid medical check-ups to prevent arrest and deportation.
The persecution and deportation of pregnant, birthing, or lactating women and unaccompanied minors are grave violations of human rights,” per excerpt of video shown during the hearing.
Following the statements, Elena Lorac, listed a number of requests:
“We request the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to undertake a local visit to the Dominican Republic to verify the extent of the complaints and the impact on access to healthcare for pregnant migrant women.
- We urge the Dominican State to cease arbitrary detentions and mass deportations of migrant women, children, and adolescents of Haitian and Dominican-Haitian descent.
- Furthermore, we call on the authorities to prioritize the best interests of the child in all decisions, prevent family separation, and ensure effective access to international protection procedures for girls and boys.
- The Dominican state should resolve, in a real and effective manner, the access to nationality for individuals of Haitian descent, allowing them to enjoy health rights and other fundamental rights without discrimination.
- The Dominican state must eliminate legal or administrative barriers and segregation hindering access to health services for migrant women, girls, boys, refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless individuals.
- Competent Dominican authorities should promptly establish penal, moral, and patrimonial consequences against violators of the human rights of pregnant Haitian women and ensure proper guidance from the General Directorate of Migration to stop arbitrary arrests in healthcare centers and access routes to health services.
- Finally, we request and encourage the Dominican state to comply with international commitments on human rights, creating effective mechanisms to implement decisions from human rights bodies, respecting commitments in nondiscrimination policies, and promoting the human rights of all individuals in the Dominican territory.”
Statements by the Dominican Republic State
“The Dominican Republic expresses its respect and gratitude to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for the opportunity to participate in this session. We value the role that this commission plays in the promotion and protection of human rights, and we welcome this meeting as an essential forum for constructive dialogue.
I would like to inform you that accompanying me in representing the Dominican state are officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director of Human Rights, Mrs. Neira Paulino, our ambassador May Cordero from the National Health Service, Dr. Luz Fermín from the General Directorate of Immigration, Mr. Durán Díaz, and from the National Council for Childhood and Adolescence (CONANI), Mrs. Alexandra Santelices and Patsis Paulino,” Josue Fiallo.
“We have duly noted the concerns and proposals presented by the organizations accompanying us today. In some aspects, we have observations regarding the approach, and in others, we differ substantially from the dimension that is intended to be given to the specific topic that has brought us together today,” Josue Fiallo.
“Honorable commissioners, respect and adherence to human dignity constitute the cornerstone upon which the Dominican state is built, as enshrined in our Constitution.
Articles 5, 7, 8, and 38 not only establish a clear and categorical mandate for state institutions but also outline an inescapable commitment to respecting the dignity of individuals and the effective protection of fundamental rights inherent to every human being in the Dominican Republic.
The efforts of the authorities are directed at ensuring the right to health through comprehensive care—a commitment that transcends the notion of emergency services to encompass a complete range of healthcare, as stipulated by Article 61 of our Constitution and the General Health Law.
This approach demonstrates our understanding that health is a fundamental right accessible to all inhabitants without exception,” Josue Fiallo.
“We recognize that any situation seeming to deviate from these democratic and humanistic ideals deserves not only review but correction with the urgency and seriousness it merits. In this context, the will of the State and the government, led by President Luis Abinader, is unwavering in its goal to align all governmental actions and policies with these guiding principles,” Josue Fiallo.
“Recent figures reveal a sustained pattern of increasing births among Haitian women in the Dominican Republic.
To illustrate this trend, in 2018, there were 14,693 births, which rose to 27,984 in 2019, reached 30,322 in 2020, and increased to 37,941 the following year.
This upward trend is noteworthy, considering the percentage of births to Haitian mothers in relation to the total public network—12% in 2018, progressively rising to 23% in 2019, 27% in 2020, 32% in 2022, and currently standing at 35% in 2023,” Josue Fiallo.
“This situation has direct and profound implications for the Dominican public health system, not only highlighting the care burden it poses but also reflecting the dynamics of cross-border mobility exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian, institutional, economic, political, and security crisis in Haiti,” Josue Fiallo.
“Dr. Luz Fermín will elaborate on this matter shortly.
It is worth noting that some events have been exaggerated, generating a distorted and unrepresentative image of the everyday reality of maternity services in the country and immigration control processes. Examining the data in the context of these migration policies reveals a reality that deserves careful analysis.
In 2021, 9,812 women were repatriated, and out of this group, only 313 were pregnant, constituting a mere 3.19%. This relatively low percentage confirms that pregnant women are not a specific target of repatriation policies but are rather reached to a lesser extent within a broader spectrum of migration procedures.
In 2022, the total number of repatriated women was 20,906, and within that group, 1,116 were pregnant, representing 5.34%. Despite this percentage increase, it is important to highlight that the rise does not necessarily imply a focus on pregnant women but corresponds to a general increase in migratory movements and subsequent repatriation processes.
For the months of 2023, 39,092 women have been reported repatriated, of which 823 were pregnant. This data reflects a decrease in the percentage to 2.11%, reaffirming our assertion that repatriation measures are not disproportionately directed towards pregnant women, let alone focused on them.
The cumulative total from 2021 to October 2023 reaches 69,810 repatriated women, with 2,252 pregnant, corresponding to a percentage of 3.23%.
These percentages demonstrate the absence of a systematic repatriation policy focused on pregnant women. There is no unfettered persecution, as sometimes suggested.
What does exist, in the face of the growing arrival of Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic, particularly pregnant women, is a complex and multifaceted dichotomy. On one hand, there is the moral imperative and obligation to provide appropriate health services to every person within our borders,” Josue Fiallo.
“In accordance with international commitments on human rights and the principle of human solidarity, on the other hand, there is a growing concern for the necessary balance between the duty to care for Dominican citizens and the significant impact that attending to migrants has on the public health system, social security, and the country’s finite resources,” Josue Fiallo.
“It is undeniable that the extraordinary burden resulting from this situation puts pressure not only on the health infrastructure but also on the operational and financial capacities of the State, which already face significant internal challenges.
While we recognize that providing assistance to those in need is essential, it is crucial to establish mechanisms that allow for a more equitable distribution of responsibility at the regional and international levels.
In this context, collective reflection and a joint response are required, one that does not compromise the sustainability of our protection systems or the social demands of Dominicans, who also deserve comprehensive and priority attention,” Josue Fiallo.
“It is necessary to find a balance that safeguards the rights of migrants without undermining those of nationals. This urges us to call for international cooperation and multilateral dialogue to address this issue comprehensively and sustainably, transcending national borders, which the Dominican Republic cannot assume. Because everything has a limit, we take this opportunity to remind everyone not to ask of us what is not asked of other countries,” Josue Fiallo.
“The interpretation of all the data I have referred to requires careful consideration of all factors involved and must be done with an understanding that each figure represents human lives and the inherent complexities of each individual situation.
While these figures are important for policy formulation and decision-making, they also reflect human reality, which must be addressed with sensitivity and in accordance with human rights and dignity principles for all,” Josue Fiallo.
“Nevertheless, we are aware that, as a nation, the Dominican Republic is not exempt from imperfections. We recognize that within the multitude of actors operating in our territory, there are areas that require our attention and continuous improvement. This acknowledgment does not arise from complacency but from a commitment to self-assessment and the desire to progress as a society,” Josue Fiallo.
“Our government, under the leadership of President Abinader, has dedicated itself to implementing public policies that not only seek to strengthen infrastructure and migration procedures but also ensure that every action of the State reflects the values that Dominicans profess—equity, inclusion, solidarity, humanity, responsibility, transparency, justice, and collective well-being.
We have demonstrated with concrete actions the willingness to implement significant changes to improve the quality of life for all who inhabit our territory,” Josue Fiallo.
“When deviations from norms and best practices by state agents have been detected, there has been no hesitation in acting with the firmness dictated by law and ethics. Disciplinary and corrective measures have been taken, sanctioning and separating those who have failed to fulfill their duty with integrity,” Josue Fiallo.
“These actions are not only punitive measures but also part of an educational and reform process seeking to cultivate a culture of integrity and respect for human rights within our institutions.
Consequently, between 2022 and 2023, 132 agents, including members included members of the National Police and the armed forces, who violated regulations and principles guiding their conduct, were disengaged from the General Directorate of Migration.
Moreover, efforts have been made to train 626 migration agents in human rights and due process between 2020 and 2022—a significant milestone and a conscious effort by the Dominican Republic to ensure that the fundamental principles of human dignity and legality are pillars in managing migration flows.
Training agents who are on the front line of contact with migrants brings us closer to fair and humane treatment and aligns with the values of a rule of law where justice and equity are the norm.
However, these training programs elevate the quality of public service, prevent human rights violations, and foster a culture of responsibility and sensitivity to migration issues, contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious society.
We are aware of our international obligations and work tirelessly to fulfill them. Our country has undertaken the responsibility of progressively implementing the rights recognized in the treaties and instruments we have adopted, recognizing the limitations of resources and the need for time to fully apply all their provisions.
The Dominican government values the role of the IACHR in protecting human rights and remains open to constructive dialogue to evaluate and improve its policies and practices in cooperation with other organizations and civil society groups.
In conclusion, we assure this commission and all stakeholders that the Dominican Republic maintains its promise to strengthen and improve its policies and practices in accordance with constitutional principles and international commitments.
Our commitment to dialogue, reflection, and corrective action is unwavering, and we will continue to work diligently,” Josue Fiallo.
“To ensure that our nation’s migration policy and human rights protection are exemplary and serve the well-being of all residents in our territory, we deeply understand and recognize the responsibility that falls on the shoulders of our homeland, a country forged in the struggle and commitment for the freedom and dignity of every human being. We affirm before you that there is no place on our soil for indifference to suffering or tolerance for injustice,” Josue Fiallo.
“In this spirit, we call for an honest and horizontal dialogue, to work together from all spaces to facilitate assistance that helps improve the profound crisis affecting Haiti.
This is the only way to lay the foundations there to properly address the needs of its nationals and provide them with the services they deserve.
I now yield the floor to Dr. Luz Fermín to enlighten you about the work carried out by the National Health Service. Thank you very much,” Josue Fiallo.
Dr. Luz Fermín’s Testimony
“Good afternoon. Thank you very much. As a country, we face significant challenges related to public health, but a series of actions based on public policies are consistently implemented to improve the quality of access to healthcare.
The National Health Service (SNS), as the operational body for running the health centers of the public network, is obligated to provide timely care regardless of migratory status, religious beliefs, social status, gender, among others, as stipulated by our Constitution, international treaties, agreements, and conventions on human rights that advocate for universal healthcare for all, paying special attention to the most vulnerable populations such as women, children, adolescents, and people with disabilities.
All services are offered free of charge to the entire population according to healthcare protocols issued and created by the Ministry of Public Health.
Regarding prenatal check-ups, a step-by-step process has been implemented in all hospitals of the public network to reduce waiting times and strengthen care.
The process begins when the patient arrives at the hospital and is received by the user care staff. In the absence of identification documents, the patient is registered with her name, an essential step to access her medical record.
Subsequently, her first consultation is initiated, where a medical history is created to identify the risk factors of the patient. A presumptive diagnosis is made, and all relevant tests are ordered, validating the diagnosis with scientifically endorsed studies such as ultrasound to complete the definitive diagnosis. Medications are prescribed, and guidance on nutrition is provided to promote a healthy pregnancy,” Dr. Luz Fermín.
“In an effort to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, personnel specialized in translation has been acquired in our major maternity hospitals. Healthcare providers have also been trained in the Creole language,” Dr. Luz Fermín.
“This leads us to an improvement in the quality of care and addresses the needs of Haitian nationals requiring it.
With the aim of ensuring that the information provided to our patients is understandable and accessible in their languages, as well as ensuring that they comprehend medical procedures, prenatal and postnatal care, and other essential aspects, we are facilitating the exchange of information between patients and healthcare personnel.
This ensures that pregnant women can better understand information about signs and symptoms of alert during pregnancy, improving care and enabling them to follow up appropriately from their homes.
Currently, we are working together with UNICEF on a strategy called “Humanized Birth” based on empathy through a set of practices aimed at achieving better care and greater attention.
This initiative has started in four of our major maternity hospitals. However, the reality is alarming. Our patients arrive at health centers in very inadequate conditions with highly advanced prenatal check-ups, severe anemia (2 Cu and 6 G of hemoglobin), which according to literature tells us are incompatible with life.
This is without any prior check-up, analysis, and all these actions lead to the deterioration of both mother and child. They arrive with vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, untreated hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, leading to eclampsia, preeclampsia and even seizures.
Some come with untreated chronic diseases, negatively impacting the mother-child pair.
These conditions put the health of the mother and newborn at extreme risk, creating situations where medical personnel must act urgently and often in adverse circumstances to save both lives.
Among the complications that occur most frequently are postpartum hemorrhages, puerperal sepsis, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy leading to seizures.
It is important to note that while the total number of deliveries in 2022-2023 for Dominican women showed a growing trend, this is not reflected in the statistics of our Haitian nationals. In 2022, there was a trend of 5.92, and in 2023, it increased to 8.25.
The statistics reveal that in 2022, a total of 80,964 deliveries were attended, of which 25,818 corresponded to Haitian nationals, accounting for 31.9%.
In 2023, in our maternity units, a total of 78,710 deliveries were attended, of which 27,469 corresponded to Haitian nationals, accounting for 35.5%.
The goal of the National Health Service is to ensure that hospitals in the public network offer timely and quality care, guaranteeing respect for human rights. Finally, it is worth noting that care for pregnant women is only part of the challenge.
The healthcare system provides care for children, adolescents, patients with chronic diseases, traumatized patients, polytraumatized patients, and those requiring surgery, laboratory, and imaging studies as needed.
This analysis highlights the urgent need to create integrated and sustainable strategies that address not only the care of pregnant patients but also general medical care for the Haitian foreign population.
This includes addressing the underlying causes leading to these health emergencies, including cross-border collaboration and strengthening the public health system. Thank you very much,” Dr. Luz Fermín.
Following presentations by state and civil society, Julissa Mantilla Falcon provided a response:
“Thank you very much, Madam President. I begin with a warm greeting to the state representation and civil society. I have some comments.
“First, I listened attentively to both parties. I wanted to remind that it’s not only the Inter-American Commission but also the United Nations agencies and the rapporteurs who have spoken about this situation. So, I think it’s important to recall this,” Julissa Mantilla Falcon.
“Secondly, civil society presented a case, even though this is a hearing on the situation of women, about unaccompanied children, and beyond the fact that they may not address it now, I would like to please ask for information on this.
Another important element is the video we have seen, and other information from civil society talks about apparent raids, meaning that when women seek care, they are detained.
So, I would like to distinguish two aspects, two areas: The issue of regular or irregular presence of women, but also at what moment the detention takes place. Because I believe that is an important issue,” Julissa Mantilla Falcon.
“What is being generated, apparently from what we have seen, is that to avoid these raids, women do not seek healthcare, and that generates additional harm. So, I would like your comments on this, in addition to these issues,” Julissa Mantilla Falcon.
“In terms of the investigative processes, the State mentioned that there have been investigations, but I would like to know if there have been specific sanctions when irregular acts have occurred during detentions.
Also, I would like them to explain what we have seen in this video, meaning that we have seen and heard, and what the State’s explanation is for what we have been seeing. Thank you,” Julissa Mantilla Falcon.
Watch the complete CIDH hearing:
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