Hopes for a Better Life: Haitian Migrants in the Dominican Republic and the Challenge of Coexistenc

national | rights, freedoms and repression | event notice Thursday October 30, 2008 10:02 by Progressio, Trocaire and Viatores Christi - Viatores Christi

Haitian Migrants in the Dominican Republic and the Challenge of Coexistence
Progressio along with Trocaire, Viatores Christi invite you to to a film screening and discussion on immigration in Hispaniola
Venue: Irish Aid Centre, O’Connell St , Dublin 1

Thursday 6th November 2008, 7.00 –9.30pm

From early in the 20th century labourers have travelled from Haiti in large numbers to work in the Dominican Republic . At some times this migration has been forced, at others self-motivated by hopes for a better life. After years mostly working as labourers on sugar plantations, recently Haitians are finding more diverse work opportunities in a booming Dominican economy.

But always Haitian migration into the Republic has brought with it serious issues. Haitians work under often very poor living and working conditions and with few rights.

In order to forge a better future for the people of Hispaniola priority needs to be given to finding joint solutions to these issues. These are the challenges of coexistence which need to be addressed.

Programme

Opening Words: Jennifer Cornally, Trocaire

Screening of Progressio documentary:
The Challenge of Coexistence
This is a short film directed by Progressio development worker Tigu Guimarães, which interrogates the background, conditions, economics and the multi-faceted results of Haitian migration
to the Dominican Republic . Consisting mainly of interviews with local academics, members of the Dominican business community and migrants themselves, it touches on many of the difficulties that have accompanied Haitian migration from early in the 20th century to the present day. The film concludes with a look at various options for change which could facilitate a more harmonious future in Hispaniola .

Guest Speaker:
Following the film Mr Edwin Paraison, a Haitian consul to the Dominican Republic , will give a talk on bi-national relations on Hispaniola and specific issues surrounding Haitian migration into the Dominican Republic .

Discussion:
Chaired by Lizzette Robleto, Progressio International,

Progressio is an international charity working to tackle poverty and injustice in developing countries.
Trocaire is the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland and works in development, emergency relief, human rights and advocacy.
Viatores Christi, Catholic lay missionary development workers, recruits, trains and places people in areas of need overseas including Haiti. www.viatoreschristi.com

The Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre is a state of the art, flexible multi-media exhibition space designed to raise awareness of development issues and the role of Irish Aid in tackling global poverty.
www.irishaid.gov.ie/centre/