Leadership and Governance in the Dominican Republic
Leadership and Accountability
The government of the Dominican Republic has acknowledged the threat posed by organized crime and drug trafficking. However, concrete actions to address these issues have been lacking.
- Corruption levels remain high, with recent administrations failing to tackle systemic corruption.
- The absence of a dedicated anti-corruption institution hampers efforts to combat and deter corruption.
Governance Challenges
The country’s governance framework is hindered by:
- Lack of effective leadership in addressing crime and corruption
- Inadequate resources for law enforcement and the judiciary
- High levels of corruption, which undermines trust in institutions
Crime and Security
Extradition Agreements and Legislation
The Dominican Republic has extradition agreements with several countries, including the US, Brazil, and Mexico. Domestic legislation targets specific criminal markets, such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
However, there are limitations to the country’s approach:
- No domestic legislation specifically targets organized crime groups
- Membership in a group is not criminalized
Law Enforcement Challenges
Law enforcement faces significant challenges due to:
- Corruption within the ranks
- High levels of crime and violence
- Limited resources and inadequate training
Criminal Justice and Security
Judicial Independence and Capacity
The judiciary is often independent but suffers from:
- Political interference and corruption
- Inadequate resources and infrastructure
Prisons are overcrowded, with pre-trial detainees making up a significant portion of the prison population. However, rehabilitation centers have not reported similar issues.
Economic and Financial Environment
Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction
The country has experienced sustained economic growth and reduced poverty rates.
However, there are concerns about:
- A significant informal economy, which can facilitate money laundering and illicit financial flows
- Weak financial controls and a moderate risk of money laundering
Civil Society and Social Protection
Support for Victims and Crime Prevention
Victims of crime have rights to protection under the penal code. Initiatives exist to assist drug users and introduce alternatives to imprisonment.
However, there are significant deficiencies in responding to human trafficking, with mechanisms to support victims lacking. Crime prevention strategies, such as community policing and a youth police program, are in place.