Individual Support
Our Current Programs
Counselling and assistance
ARDC provides comprehensive information, advice and referrals in issues related to the asylum procedure, housing, employment, education and social and psychological care.
Trauma Counselling
Asylum seekers typically arrive to Israel in an acute state of shock as a result of the severe hardships, torture, rape and separation from family. We recently commenced a three-month pilot program to provide trauma counselling to 20 individuals who receive therapy sessions on a weekly basis from an qualified and experienced psychologist. Therapeutic services are provided for refugee individuals, couples and groups.
Asylum Application Assistance Project (RSD – Refugee Status Determination)
All asylum seekers must undergo the refugee status determination (RSD) process in order to attain refugee status from their host country, in this case, Israel. This procedure determines whether those seeking asylum fall within the definition of a refugee in need of protection in accordance with international law. The process is extremely protracted and is one of the most stressful experiences faced by asylum seekers. The outcome of their application dictates their fate which may include arrest, deportation or worse if it is rejected.
On 2 July 2009, the Israeli Ministry of the Interior assumed responsibility for the RSD procedure from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The process is complicated by the absence of a clear Israeli asylum policy. As a result, the procedure is marred by inconsistencies and ad hoc decisions. The ARDC, together with a number of other human right organisations through the Refugees' Rights Forum, is advocating to improve the fairness, transparency and integrity of the process.
In October 2009, ARDC launched the Asylum Process Assistance Project to advise and represent asylum seekers throughout every phase of the asylum application process.
Anyone seeking assistance with the RSD process should contact the Legal Aid Project Coordinator.
