Haiti.- The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Haiti to the Organization of American States (OAS) has expressed its openness to dialogue in a recent statement. This is in response to calls from various commissions and countries regarding the current conflict with the Dominican Republic over the construction of a canal on the Masacre River.
Haiti reaffirms its right to use the waters of the Masacre River in its statement. It emphasizes that these waters are considered border waters. The construction of the canal is located downstream of approximately twelve water intakes already built and operated by the Dominican Republic, according to the statement. The dimensions of the canal and its water intake are not substantial enough to divert the Masacre River from its smaller natural channel.
Here is the full statement:
PUBLIC REPUBLIC OF HAITI
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND WORSHIP
Haiti warmly welcomes all calls for dialogue from Partner States and international institutions regarding the ongoing dispute with the Dominican Republic over the shared water resources of the Masacre River. The declaration issued by the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States on September 27, 2023 highlights the inalienable right of both parties to use the river in a fair and equitable manner for their agricultural and industrial needs. This right is described in article 10 of the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Arbitration of February 20, 1929.
Here are some important facts to consider:
1. The Massacre River serves as a border waterway, with tributaries originating in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Haitian territory contributes to the generation of mobilizable flows in the upper reaches of this shared river.
2. Downstream of the Juana Méndez-Dajabón axis, the river bed is no longer clogged. This causes the elevated waters to overflow and flood the surrounding plains on both sides of the border. The low plain of Maribaroux is naturally and periodically flooded by the floods of the Massacre River.
3. The canal under construction in Juana Méndez will be supplied by an intake located along the river bank. This will be the first intake structure built on the Haitian side of this shared waterway. It is important to note that it is located below approximately twelve water intakes already built and used by the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the dimensions of the canal and its water intake are not substantial enough to divert the Massacre River from its smaller natural channel.
Given these facts and considerations, our right to access and distribute this resource equitably is well founded.
The Republic of Haiti reaffirms the sovereign right of the Haitian people to the fair and equitable use of the shared water resources of the Masacre River. Haiti remains committed to continuing dialogue with the Dominican Republic, as demonstrated by the note dated September 15, 2023, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic.
