The psycho-social conditions of asylum-seekers from Darfur in Israel

Objective: The study appraises the prevalence of pre-migration trauma exposure, the ability to secure basic living needs, and psychological functioning among Darfuri asylumseekers and refugees living in Israel. Method: The sample included 340 adults from Darfur. Standardized measures assessing socio-psychological functioning were utilized. Results: The participants demonstrated high rates of pre-migration exposure to traumatic experiences. Thirty per cent of the participants met DSM-IV criteria PTSD, with a higher proportion for women than for men. Post-migration stressors were mentioned by the majority of the participants. Conclusions: The State of Israel should recognize past atrocities and traumas of Darfuris who arrived in Israel. Such recognition should be offered as acceptance of their rightful access to refugee status determination. Moreover, the State of Israel needs to modify government policies and legalization facilities so that Darfuri refugees and asylum-seekers will have access to basic human needs and support services.