Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has rejected claims that Haitian migrants to Jamaica have faced arbitrary detention or mistreatment from Jamaican authorities.

This, in the face of claims from human rights groups that the 20 Haitians who arrived in Jamaica last Saturday (October 5) were not allowed access to an attorney. 

The group of Haitians was repatriated to their country a day after their arrival.

Responding to questions from the opposition at this morning’s meeting of the Senate, the Foreign Affairs Minister said all Haitians who have been repatriated were returned with the consent of Haiti’s government.

Mrs. Johnson Smith noted that vulnerable Haitians who come into the island are accommodated.

She however added that not all of the migrants are law abiding citizens, and as such must be treated accordingly.

She noted that there are several Haitians before the courts waiting on their matters to be heard, while others are awaiting the processing of asylum requests.

She also explained that Jamaica remains cognizant of the challenges in Haiti, as the country is directly participating in activity that seeks to solve the push factors for Haitians.

Mrs. Johnson Smith noted that as a sovereign country, Jamaica must manage illegal entries.