ISRAEL: Immigrants :
Israeli shows South Sudanese the door

6/13/2012 3:30:21 AM
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JERUSALEM - Israeli immigration authorities have began arresting South Sudanese migrants in preparation for deporting them from the country. - There are an estimated 700 South Sudanese refugees in Israel and until earlier this year, the South Sudanese were given unofficial group protection in Israel, which entitled them to remain in the country and protected them against detention. However the Israeli government argued that since South Sudan achieved independence in July 2011, the refugees could safely return home. Violence against African asylum seekers in Israel – who, according to Israeli figures, number approximately 60,000, mainly from Sudan and Eritrea – has increased in recent weeks. Israeli politicians have openly voiced their desire to expel all African refugees, calling them "infiltrators" and a "cancer", and accusing asylum seekers of violence and rape. Orit Marom, advocacy coordinator at the Tel Aviv-based Aid Organisation for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (ASSAF) says they hoped that the price of Israel’s decision will not cost in human life, but they fear that it will. (END/RADIO BULLETIN EDITOR/2012)

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