The Israeli government’s recent proposal to recruit African asylum seekers to fight in the Gaza conflict in exchange for residency status is a flagrant violation of human rights and a calculated exploitation of vulnerable individuals who have faced years of mistreatment, discrimination, and uncertainty.
According to a recent exclusive report by Haaretz, Israeli security officials are offering permanent residency status to African asylum seekers who agree to participate in life-threatening military operations in Gaza. The report also reveals that internal criticism of this exploitative policy has been silenced, with sources stating it “is a very problematic matter.” This plan has raised serious ethical concerns about Israel’s treatment of asylum seekers and its commitment to international humanitarian standards.
Background:
Since 2010, thousands of Eritreans—the largest group of African asylum seekers residing in Israel—have fled to Israel seeking protection from violence and persecution in their home country. However, the Israeli government has refused to grant them refugee status, dismissively labelling them as “infiltrators.” Forced to live in precariously, they have not been granted residency permits and must continually renew their temporary status every three to six months. This leaves them in constant fear of detention and deportation, denying them the chance of a stable life.
Israel’s Past Treatment of Eritrean Asylum Seekers:
Israel has a history of attempting to sideline, deport, and isolate Eritrean asylum seekers. In the past, the government tried to deport them directly to Eritrea, but the Eritrean government refused to accept them. Subsequently, Israel forged a deal with Rwanda to send Eritrean asylum seekers there. Those who resisted deportation were detained in Holot detention centre, located in the desert, in an attempt to break their spirit and force compliance. However, after a legal challenge, the Israeli courts ordered the closure of Holot detention centre, leaving the government without a clear policy.
As a result, the Eritrean asylum seekers remain in Israel because the government does not know what to do with them. Now, in an alarming and inhumane twist, the Israeli government’s new scheme aims to “eliminate” Eritrean asylum seekers by sending them into conflict zones such as Gaza and other areas where Israel is engaged in military operations. This plan starkly illustrates Israel’s refusal to respect the humanity of Eritrean asylum seekers.
Ethical Concerns and Violations of International Obligations:
The plan to recruit these asylum seekers for military service is both coercive and unethical. Recruiting asylum seekers who fled their homeland to escape violence into another conflict in exchange for basic rights not only ignores their human dignity but also treats them as expendable resources.
It is crucial to highlight that Israel is a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. This legally binds Israel to protect refugees and asylum seekers within its borders. According to the Convention, refugees should not be returned to territories where their lives or freedom would be threatened (the principle of non-refoulement). Additionally, states are obligated to provide refugees with basic protections, rights, and the opportunity to live with dignity. The recruiting of asylum seekers for military operations starkly contrasts with Israel’s obligations under this international agreement.
There is no guarantee that these individuals will return from these conflicts alive to enjoy the residency they have been denied for over a decade. It is unacceptable to use the promise of residency as leverage to force asylum seekers into life-threatening situations.
Long-term Implications:
If this plan is implemented, the long-term social and economic impact for these asylum seekers could be devastating. Military involvement could lead to physical and psychological trauma, potentially impairing their ability to integrate into society, should they survive and return. This could result in a generation of refugees suffering compounded PTSD and disabilities, placing a heavy strain on social and healthcare systems. Economically, this could further marginalise an already vulnerable community, limiting their ability to contribute productively to society.
Furthermore, this approach could set a dangerous precedent for Israel’s broader migration policy, indicating a willingness to exploit asylum seekers in times of conflict, rather than upholding their human rights. It would also tarnish Israel’s international reputation, thereby affecting diplomatic relations.
Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE) calls on the Israeli government to immediately halt any plans to recruit asylum seekers into military service. Instead, we recommend the following policies that align with human rights, international humanitarian standards, and Israel’s obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention:
1. Grant Refugee Status: Israel must conduct a thorough review of asylum claims and grant refugee status to those who qualify. This step would provide asylum seekers with legal residency, access to social services, and the opportunity to integrate into Israeli society.
2. Establish Long-term Residency Permits: For those who do not meet the strict criteria for refugee status, Israel should implement long-term residency permits that grant legal protection, work rights, healthcare, and education. This will provide much-needed stability and allow them to contribute positively to society.
3. Strengthen Legal Protections: Develop a clear asylum policy in line with international standards that safeguards the rights of all migrants, ensuring they are protected from coercive recruitment into military operations and have access to legal representation.
4. Invest in Integration Programs: Create programs to support the social and economic integration of asylum seekers and refugees, including language classes, job training, and mental health services.
5. International Collaboration: Work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international organizations to develop fair and humane solutions for asylum seekers, including potential resettlement programs and regional and international cooperation for refugee protection.
Eritrean asylum seekers came to Israel seeking safety and freedom. They should not be forced into conflict zones in exchange for their basic human rights. Israel’s historical and current treatment of Eritrean asylum seekers reflects a disregard for human rights and international obligations. Human Rights Concern – Eritrea urges the government to reconsider this unethical proposal and plan and take immediate steps to protect the rights of asylum seekers, in accordance with Israel’s obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE)
