Back to top
Elena Lorac

Elena Lorac

HRD, Co-coordinator
Red Común Organizada de Ciudadanos Dominicanos (Reconoci.do)
Rights: 
Location: 

Elena Lorac is founding member and co-coordinator of the Reconoci.do movement, which, since 2011, advocates for the rights of Dominicans of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic. The Reconocido movement has presence in several bateyes (rural communities whose population works in works nearby sugar cane crops) and accompaigns Dominicans of Haitian descent in the claim of their rights in front of the institutions. Members of Reconoci.do frequently face accusations of promoting a Haitian invasion, threats by conservative groups and defamation efforts.

Dominican Republic

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.

elena_lorac_dominican_republic_-_testimony_at_the_2017_dublin_platform

Elena Lorac, Dominican Republic - Testimony at the 2017 Dublin Platform