The Bedouin-Arabs in the Negev-Naqab Desert in Israel: A Shadow Report Submitted by: Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality

This shadow report relates to the periodic report submitted by the State of Israel [CCPR/C/ISR/3] on July 25th, 2008 regarding implementation of the Charter for Civil and Political Rights. The report was prepared by the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality in collaboration with the following human rights organizations: Physicians for Human Rights, The Association for Support and Defense of Bedouin rights in Israel, and the Recognition Forum. The report deals with the manner in which the State of Israel implements the Charter for Civil and Political Rights among the Bedouin-Arabs in the Negev- Naqab, and will provide the Committee with a source of information and a critical perspective regarding what is occurring in the Negev. The main issue at hand is the lack of recognition of land ownership rights of the Bedouin-Arabs in the Negev and the refusal of the state to grant recognition to the “unrecognized villages”. This has resulted in a series of infringements upon civil and political rights involving discrimination and inequality between the Jewish and Bedouin-Arab populations, who reside side by side in the Negev. Discrimination is evident in various areas, including health, education, welfare, planning, the right to vote and religious services.

Moach, Haia with Nuri Al-Uqbi and Wasim Abass

Link: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/docs/ngos/Negev_Coexistence_Forum_Civil_Equality.pdf