Refugees and Asylum Seekers (about_sudanese) | Hotline for Mirgant Workers

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Problem
Israel has seen a significant increase in asylum claims in the last few years. Problems with refugee protection in Egypt lead refugees from Sudan, Eritrea and other African countries to cross into Israel. In 2007 alone, some 5,000 refugees crossed the Egyptian border into Israel. Currently, the vast majority of refugees entering Israel are placed in detention. Those who were previously released also risk re-arrest and detention.

Most refugees are held in former or current military prisons in Israel's south, including Nafcha, Ramon and Shikma. The vast majority, over 1,000, including some 150 women and children, are placed in Ketziot prison near the Egyptian border. At Ketziot, they are 'housed' in eight large tents. Exposed to the elements, they lack sufficient access to phones, hot water, bathrooms and other basic items. Furthermore, the staff, used to working with security prisoners, are unaccustomed to the unique needs of this population. The process of release from detention is complicated and problematic.

Israel lacks refugee legislation and the country's nascent refugee system is collapsing under the weight of recent arrivals. While 600 refugees from Darfur have received status, the rest are stuck in on-going limbo regarding their futures.

Solution
HMW is the primary NGO assisting detained refugees. Volunteers will provide our clients with humanitarian aid and para-legal representation while working to secure their release. Our legal department will file precedent-setting suits on topics such as detention conditions, illegal detention, deportation to Egypt, judicial review and more1. In the context of the Refugees' Rights Forum, consisting of seven organizations, we will promote the development of comprehensive and humane refugee legislation and policy while advocacy with the media and the public will increase sensitivity for refugees.

Objectives

To provide basic humanitarian aid and information to asylum seekers through 20 visits to detention facilities and provision of humanitarian aid.
To educate refugees about their rights through distribution of 800 flyers and two group meetings.
To provide direct information and assistance to some 2,000 refugees and para-legal representation to 300-500 of them.
To submit approximately 8-10 new principled legal petitions.
To promote refugee legislation and policy within the context of the Refugees' Rights Forum.
To implement a writing seminar and a leadership course for small groups of community leaders.
To initiate approximately 100 media items, conduct 20 lectures and issue one newsletter.

This project is supported by the Samuel Sebba Charitable Trust, the Ksirer Foundation, the Sigrid Rausing Trust, the UNHCR, the Moriah Fund and many private donors.