Many Haitians have to cross the border into the Dominican Republic to buy badly needed essentials amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Haiti, fuelled by gang violence.

Although the border between the two countries was once closed as violence in Haiti escalated following a mass prison break in Port-au-Prince earlier this year, Haitians living along the border line are now allowed into the Dominican Republic to get daily essentials.

This footage was filmed and produced 7 April 2024.

[Note: partially no sound]

Many Haitians have to cross the border into the Dominican Republic to buy badly needed essentials amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Haiti, fueled by gang violence.

Although the border between the two countries was once closed as violence in Haiti escalated following a mass prison break in Port-au-Prince earlier this year, Haitians living along the border line are now allowed into Dominican Republic to get daily essentials.

"Those people not come from afar. Those people come from border Andapitte. That's the people, they go to buy something and the immigration gives a favor of four, five hours. They buy and they're back," said Jean Marie Joseph, a coordinator for border residents.

Police and military in the Dominican Republic have fortified their presence at the border, stationing more armed officers and soldiers to keep the border secure.

According to data released by the United Nations, gangsters have seized control of the vast majority of Port-au-Prince, causing a humanitarian crisis and prompting a significant number of people to flee the city.

Due to the grounding of commercial flights and closure of ports in Haiti, long queues have formed at the land border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

However, as the gangsters continue to expand their territory, the highways in the country are almost completely closed, making it more difficult to flee.

SHOTLIST

Dominican Republic - April 7, 2024
1. Armed soldiers, people waiting at border between Haiti and Dominican Republic;
2. Various of armed soldiers, residents at border;
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jean Marie Joseph, coordinator of border residents (ending with shots 4-5):
"Those people not come from afar. Those people come from border Andapitte. That's the people, they go to buy something and the immigration gives a favor of four, five hours. They buy and they're back.";
4. Armed soldiers, residents;
5. Various of residents getting checked by immigration official before crossing border;
6. Border scene, vehicles, soldiers;
7. Various of surveillance cameras;
8. Various of armed soldiers, residents.

[RESTRICTIONS: No access Chinese mainland]