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Original article: Fundación Cijys exige al Gobierno «diálogo real» con comunidad haitiana en Chile y cuestiona convocatoria realizada por Ministerio de Desarrollo Social

The Investigative Conclave of Legal and Social Sciences (Cijys) sent an email to the Minister of Social Development and Family expressing concern over the informal approach taken to invite representatives of the Haitian community to a meeting, lacking a defined agenda, objectives, or preparatory materials.

«We find it hard to believe that other sectors of civil society are called upon by a ministry without a formal agenda, defined objectives, or preparatory documents. A meeting without clear content does not help in building solutions and conveys a concerning sense of improvisation regarding an extremely sensitive issue,» Cijys stated.

The organization asserts that the current situation requires «concrete measures» rather than a gathering intended solely to «listen to complaints,» as communicated by the Ministry, particularly after weeks of media exposure that have exacerbated the stigma surrounding the Haitian community in the context of the debate on migrant children.

«We do not need another platform to repeat what we have already publicly stated. We do not need group therapy. We need proposals, accountability, and a concrete action plan,» they emphasized.

In the email, Cijys formally requested that any institutional meeting «addresses the concrete measures the State will adopt to remedy the consequences stemming from the dissemination of information that has caused public alarm, widespread suspicion, and deep stigmatization of our families.»

«We consider a public apology from the authorities who contributed to the dissemination of harmful narratives about a whole community to be essential,» they added.

As a second fundamental point for the meeting, they mentioned the importance of developing a permanent collaboration protocol between the State and the Haitian community, aimed at preventing and addressing any potential violations of the rights of children and adolescents.

Concerns Over UDI-Linked Representative

Cijys also voiced concerns about the involvement in the dialogue of individuals presented as «representatives of the Haitian community,» who are, in reality, completely unknown within that community.

«According to information from trusted sources, Mr. Rolando Prophête is closely linked to and participates in spaces associated with the Independent Democratic Union (UDI), a political party that includes some of the main figures who have pushed narratives that contribute to the stigmatization, criminalization, and political exploitation of the Haitian community, particularly regarding Haitian children in Chile,» the organization stated.

«The issue is not about who has the right to speak. The issue is about who decides who represents the Haitian community before the State and under what criteria,» added Michel-Ange Joseph, Cijys president.

Finally, the Conclave reiterated its full willingness to collaborate «on any initiative aimed at protecting children,» but warned that «the fight against any potential forms of trafficking or exploitation cannot become a mechanism for the collective stigmatization of a migrant community.»

«The Haitian community is diverse and plural. No one can claim to represent an entire community without clear mechanisms of legitimacy and verifiable community work. We believe it is crucial for the Ministry to engage in dialogue with organizations, leaders, and figures that have a recognized track record of working with the community,» Cijys insisted.

We will continue to provide updates.

La entrada Cijys Calls for Genuine Dialogue with Haitian Community in Chile, Criticizes Informal Government Meeting Invitations se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.