Dominican Republic: Population Movement 2026 – DREF Operation (MDRDO022)

Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date when the trigger was met 12-10-2026 What happened, where and when? The Dominican Republic continues to experience sustained humanitarian needs associated with cross-border population movements linked to the continuing crisis in Haiti. In Dajabón, these needs are evident among Haitian people undergoing migration processing and return procedures, particularly children, pregnant women and people requiring health assistance, family contact or protection referrals. Movement volumes fluctuate, while needs for timely care, drinking water, food and personal hygiene assistance persist. Dajabón branch records show 15, 697 admissions to the migrant interdiction centre during July–September 2026, compared with 12, 550 during the same period in 2025, an increase of 25. 1 per cent. Recorded admissions of children increased from 628 to 3, 229, raising their proportion from 5. 0 to 20. 6 per cent. Adult women’s admissions increased from 2, 657 to 6, 202. These changes have implications for ageappropriate assistance, health services, family contact and safe referrals. The figures represent admissions rather than verified unique individuals or people assessed as requiring assistance. While the Dominican Red Cross continues to provide humanitarian assistance at the Dajabón migrant interdiction centre, service provision depends on a team of no more than five volunteers whose availability varies because of employment commitments. Limited personnel availability and operational resources prevent a regular service schedule. Fluctuating admissions, the increased proportion of children recorded in 2026 and continuing health, protection and family contact needs place demands on this limited capacity. Additional support is needed to improve the continuity and organisation of existing services and strengthen the branch’s ability to adapt to changes in demand. Movements have fluctuated considerably. In 2026, the centre recorded 9, 745 admissions in January–March, 24, 492 in April–June and 15, 697 in July–September. During the third quarter, admissions declined from 7, 265 in July to 3, 597 in September. The situation therefore reflects variable demand and a changing population profile rather than a continuous increase. Available records do not establish a consistent seasonal pattern. The branch’s reporting documents dehydration, hypertension, injuries, a pregnant woman requiring hospital referral and unaccompanied children requiring assistance. Current services include pre-hospital care, drinking water, food rations, Restoring Family Links and hygiene assistance when supplies are available. However, services depend on a team of no more than five volunteers with variable availability and no regular operating schedule. Access to the centre is restricted from 18: 00 until the following day. The National Society also reports reduced physical presence of several humanitarian organisations in Dajabón; current service coverage and referral arrangements require further verification. The initial operational focus is Dajabón, in the north-western Dominican Republic, particularly the migrant interdiction centre and the proposed nearby Humanitarian Service Point. A multisectoral assessment will cover selected locations in Monte Cristi, Dajabón, Elías Piña, Independencia and Pedernales to establish needs, existing services and operational priorities. All activities will take place within Dominican territory, and assessment coverage does not imply equivalent needs or planned service points in every location. The situation was ongoing throughout the January–September 2026 reporting period. Following the IFRC Regional Director’s September visit to Dajabón and subsequent exchanges, the National Society decided at a meeting on 12 October 2026 to proceed with a DREF request, informed by the comparison of branch records and available response capacity. This date marks the institutional decision to seek additional support in a slow-onset context. The proposed operation will strengthen existing branch services, support establishment and equipping of a Humanitarian Service Point subject to authorization, and undertake a multisectoral assessment to guide current assistance and inform a separately resourced longer-term strategy.

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