Human rights lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is calling on the Government to respect international law on migration and refugees.

The call comes after the Government decided to repatriate 30 Haitian migrants who landed in Long Bay, Portland on Sunday, October 15, to their poverty-stricken country.

“In recent months, the Jamaican Government has returned a number of Haitian refugees to Haiti without due process. This is a violation of international law which prohibits the return of refugees to countries where they face persecution or other serious harm. JFJ emphasises that the UN Convention must guide policy,” the advocacy group said.

According to the JFJ, it is Jamaica’s responsibility under the Treaty of Chaguaramas and international conventions, to which Jamaica is a signatory, to provide asylum to refugees and to treat them with respect and dignity.

“Should any more Haitians arrive seeking refuge, the Government of Jamaica must allow individuals to speak to an attorney and receive due process. This includes clear articulation on processes that allow for fair and expeditious procedures for status determination, including appeals and guaranteeing the rights of all recognized refugees in Jamaica. The government must also facilitate access to asylum procedures for persons who have expressed a fear of returning to their country of origin and ensure non-refoulment of all persons in need of international protection,” JFJ said.

The human rights lobby group also cautioned the Government against using stigmatising language against Haitians, even unintentionally, as innocent men, women and children may be perceived as smugglers or criminals.