Furthermore, Sudan has been in a state of civil war for many years, with a long-running conflict between the Arab Muslim northerners of Sudan, and the Christian black Africans of the south. Since 1983, the civil war has displaced more than 4 million southerners who found themselves unable to grow food or earn money to provide for their physical survival.

Refugees from both regions have been fleeing to big cities and neighboring countries such as Chad and Egypt, seeking safety. In Egypt, the situation of the Sudanese refugees is dire; they lack basic rights, are on the verge of starvation, and suffer from frequent harassment by the authorities. During a protest in December 2005, 27 were killed by the Egyptian police, while many others were injured, detained and deported back to Sudan.

Consequently, out of desperation, some have fled to Israel seeking refuge. Currently about 1,800 Sudanese are located in Israel, with a majority from south Sudan and 500 from Darfur. The government has proven to be incapable of managing the problem; current government-offered solutions are ad hoc and do not guarantee the safety or freedom of the refugees.

As no long-term policy exists, hundreds have been placed in detention awaiting deportation.

Solution
HMW volunteers will provide humanitarian aid and para-legal assistance to detained refugees and asylum seekers while working to secure their release. Refugee organizations will receive consultation, support and administrative resources from the Hotline, enhancing their ability to advocate for themselves. Through meetings with decision-makers and legal action, we will promote a long-term and comprehensive solution which safeguards the basic rights of refugees. Educational activities such as lectures, media exposure, public events and newsletters will heighten awareness and concern regarding the issues.

Objectives

• To visit refugees weekly at various detention centers while providing them with basic humanitarian aid, information and legal representation intended to secure their release.
• To provide on-going support and consultation to two refugee advocacy groups through provision of office space and facilitation of relevant contacts.
• To advocate for improved detention conditions through meetings, letter writing and legal petitions as necessary.
• To submit a few principled legal petitions on topics such as deportation to Egypt, judicial review and more.
• To initiate meetings with MPs and decision-makers and provide them with updated and reliable information on the situation.
• To establish an advocacy course for refugees and facilitate their media exposure.
• To initiate approximately 100 media items, conduct 20 educational seminars and trainings, hold at least one public event and distribute one e-newsletter on the issues.