Human rights lobby groups, Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ) and Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) are calling for a full investigation into the treatment of Haitian migrants and asylum seekers.

The call follows the repatriation of 20 Haitian nationals who arrived in Portland on Saturday.

The group, consisting of several men, three women and a baby was returned to their homeland on Sunday.

According to SUFJ and JFJ, this brings the total number of Haitians seeking asylum in Jamaica since July 2023 to over 130.

Speaking to IRIE FM News, JFJ’s Policy and Advocacy Specialist, Jade Williams said Jamaica’s response is not in accordance with the 2009 Refugee Policy.

She wants the government to take immediate action to protect the rights of Haitians and ensure they are treated with dignity.

SUFJ and JFJ highlighted concerns that the head of human rights group Freedom Imaginaries, Malene Alleyne, despite advocating for the rights of the refugees entering the island recently, was denied access to visit them.

Ms. Williams said there must be an examination of the processes to determine their status in line with those detailed in Jamaica’s Refugee Policy, as well as an examination of reports of abuse and unnecessary or arbitrary detention.