18 March 2003
Physicians for Human Rights-Israel Petitions High Court Concerning Distribution of Expired Protective Kits to Migrant Workers
http://www.indymedia.org.il/imc/israel/webcast/display.php3?article_id=52813
Physicians for Human Rights-Israel has petitioned the High Court of Israel regarding gas mask kits (herein: Protective Kits) for Migrant Workers ("Foreign Workers"). An expose on Israeli Television last week revealed that Migrant Workers are being sold, by the Israeli Home Front Command, expired or soon to expire Protective Kits. PHR-Israel is personally aware of several cases of this nature, in addition to the ones mentioned in the expose. Additionally, PHR-Israel is demanding that those responsible for ordering this discriminatory policy be investigated for their actions.
PHR-Israel had previously submitted two petitions regarding Protective Kits for Migrant Workers and other vulnerable communities; the first petition was in 1998 and the second was submitted last month. As reported in previous press releases and in the media, the most recent petition was rejected by the court. However, in the State's response to the petition it accepted its obligation, as determined in 2000 following the first appeal, to offer Protective Kits to Migrant Workers in return for a 200 shekel ($40) deposit, half of which would be returned when the kit was given back.
In the past weeks, several Post Offices and department stores have begun to distribute the kits to the migrants, based on the above understanding. However, as revealed on Israeli television, the kits being sold are the same kits that Israeli citizens are being told to return since they are considered old and require replacement. Simply, the migrants are buying the kits that are deemed not good enough for the Israelis.
Discrimination against migrants is nothing new in Israel; however this particular manner, being conducted by the Israeli government itself, is most revolting. PHR-Israel condemns any actions taken against migrant workers that affect their right to health and their right to life. Therefore, PHR-Israel has filed a petition, demanding that the State of Israel:
1) Stop the distribution of Protective Kits which have expired or are soon to expire.
2) Stop the discrimination against Migrant Workers, and begin to distribute to them Protective Kits identical to those given to Israelis.
3) Publish complete and extensive information about the right of the migrants to replace their gas masks if the ones they have are expired or soon to expire. This information shall be published in English, Romanian, Spanish and any other relevant languages and shall be made known through the various medias, as well as through the applicable embassies.
Furthermore, PHR-Israel is demanding from the Attorney General that he open an investigation about this matter, and put on trial those responsible for ordering this discriminatory practice. Human rights violators should not benefit from impunity.
For more information, or to receive a copy of the petition in Hebrew, please contact Rami Adout, Director of Migrant Workers Project, or Shabtai Gold, Public Outreach.
Physicians for Human Rights–Israel (PHR–Israel) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization founded in 1988 and currently comprising some 750 members, with the aim of striving to promote medical human rights in Israel and in the territories under Israel’s effective control. The basic values of PHR–Israel are human dignity, protection of bodily and mental integrity, and promotion of the right to health and medical care.
Tel: 972 3 6873718
Fax: 972 3 687 3029
E-mail: mail at phr.org.il
www.phr.org.il