MOSCTHA (Socio-Cultural Movement for Haitian workers)
MOSCTHA is a well-established non-profit organisation founded in 1985, its work consisting of human rights programs and projects which benefit people in a vulnerable situation, particularly Haitian migrants and their families, including women and girls from Bateyana communities and other marginalised neighbourhoods. The organisation promotes access to social protection and the respect of these communities fundamental rights via political advocacy, legal assistance, attention to health matters, employment training, and education.
In the Dominican Republic, Haitian descendants are widely seen as second class citizens. In 2010, a new constitution rendered stateless anyone who was born to an undocumented foreign parent. The ruling was implemented retroactively and thousands of people found themselves without valid documents overnight. Since then, many have been living in limbo: they are denied access to education, employment, health services and the right to vote. Human rights defenders who advocate for the rights of Haitian descendants have been subjected to threats, smear campaigns and attacks.
