By Carolyn Abdenour
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
JERUSALEM, Israel – On Wednesday, 31 January, Israel announced its plan to deport South Sudanese asylum seekers if they do not voluntarily leave the country by March 31, 2012. If these asylum seekers leave before this deadline, they will receive a plane ticket home and a $1,300 grant.
The Israeli Interior Ministry’s press statement said, “Now that South Sudan has become an independent state, it is time for you to return to your homeland. While it is not a simple move, the State of Israel is committed to helping those who wish to return voluntarily in the near future.” In July 2011, South Sudan became an independent state and a member of the United Nations.
Israel’s South Sudanese community was angry and confused about the government’s decision. Matthew Deng, a pastor of two South Sudanese churches located outside Tel Aviv, commented, “South Sudan is dealing with many issues, how can people go back now? We don’t even have hospitals, schools – nothing…All we have is what is in [the capital] Juba.”
The Israeli government will advertise the grant offer to the South Sudanese people via media broadcasts and leaflet distribution.
The United Nation’s High Commission on Refugees’ William Tall said in order for Israel to act consistent with its signed agreements regarding asylum seekers, the country must screen asylum applications individually to evaluate if the South Sudanese applicants are genuine refugees.
In December 2011, Israel’s Population, Immigration, and Borders Authority (“PIBA”) reported of the 51,125 African asylum seekers and economic migrants throughout Israel, 13,066 people are from South Sudan. Since 2005, paid smugglers have assisted Africans sneak into Israel through its border with Egypt’s Siani desert. Last month, the interior minister documented 2,295 people entered Israel through this border.
People fleeing persecution and abuse from Sudan and Eritrea find Israel attractive because the country offers them safety and employment opportunities. Since many migrants live in the poor southern neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, the Israelis call the area “little Africa”.
The Israelis struggle with how to approach the influx of migrants. Recognizing their country developed from the Nazi genocide of Jews, some Israelis do not want to turn people escaping prosecution away. However, others want to maintain their country’s Jewish character without the social and economic burden associated with migrants.
Presently, Israel is developing a 150-mile fence along its border with Egypt, threatening harsh punishment on people to assisting illegal migrants, and enlarging its detention facility to combat the influx of illegal immigration.
Orit Marom of the Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel (“ASSAF”) said the people need a year or two to prepare to return to South Sudan. Mr. Deng added the members of his community want to return to South Sudan, but they want to wait “until South Sudan is ready.”
For further information, please see:
The Jerusalem Post –South Sudanese Distressed By Looming Deportations – 2 Feb 2012
The Jerusalem Post – 2,295 Illegal African Migrants Enter Israel In January – 1 Feb 2012
Arutz Sheva – Israel Offers Assistance Basket For Departing Sudanese – 31 Jan 2012
The Boston Globe – Israel Says It Will Deport South Sudanese Migrants – 31 Jan 2012
