Israel denies African migrants rights– US

The United States State Department says that the State of Israel is denying basic rights and social services to African migrants and asylum seekers in their country. In its annual report on Human Rights, the State Department criticized Israel for its treatment of migrants, who are often denied refugee status and thus cannot access health care services in Israel. According to the report, some 60 000 migrants from South Sudan and Eritrea have migrated to Israel over the past few years. In addition, the report also condemns the Israeli government for labelling these migrants and refugees, as “infiltrators.” According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, in 2011 Israel has approved only one asylum application from a total of 4 603 received through the year. According to the figures, more than 6 000 cases of this nature are still pending. It cites statistics from the UNHCR which show Israel approved just one of the 4,603 new asylum applications it received through the year. The State Department report explains that once a refugee is allowed to work in Israel and is granted access to social services, however, civil society in Israel is campaigning for broader health care, especially for migrants who are abused or ill-treated.