Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality (NCF) was established in 1997 by a group of concerned Arab and Jewish residents of the Negev/Naqab (Israel’s southern desert region) to build a shared society and to provide a framework for Arab-Jewish partnership in the struggle for civil equality and the advancement of mutual tolerance and coexistence. NCF, also known as “Dukium” in Hebrew, is unique in being the only Arab-Jewish organization that remains focusesd solely on the specific problems confronting the Arab-Bedouin communities in the Negev/Naqab. 

NCF’s mission is to achieve full civil rights and equality for all those living in the Negev/Naqab, whereassince the State of Israel fails to respect, protect and fulfill its human rights obligations, without discrimination, towards the Arab-Bedouin citizens in the Negev/Naqab.

NCF’s activities and projects are based on the principle of Arab-Jewish cooperation. Our membership includes concerned citizens, leaders and academics from both the Negev/Naqab Arab and Jewish communities. As a joint Arab-Jewish group, we strive to maintain a balance and equal partnership in all bodies of the organization, as well as in the decision-making processes.

NCF is engaged in a wide range of grassroots activities. We are involved in a number of advocacy efforts, with a focus on employment and security, as well as many human rights projects – –all with an emphasis on strengthening the Bedouin community, in particular, as well asand the Negev/Naqab, as a wholeat large. NCF works to ensure that the Bedouin community in the Negev/Naqab receives the  governmental cooperation and funding, to which they are entitled as Israeli citizens.

Our advocacy efforts include: signing and filing petitions to the High Courts on behalf of the Bedouin regarding human rights violations with High Courts on behalf of the Bedouin; alerting the public and decision-makers of research findings so as to shape public policy; the submission of shadow reports and position papers to foreign entities, includinglike the UN; correspondence and meetings with foreign diplomats, in order to inform and enhance theirgain awareness of the Bedouin plight; and regular meetings at the Knesset and with local authorities, to promote Bedouin rights at the national level.

Our human rights activities include: educating Bedouin residents to increase theiron digital literacy, in order to increase further their ability to work and advocate for themselves and their community; and initiating introducing and promoting fostering visual documentation workshops, as a way to enable them to express themselves artistically, promote the Bedouin experience, and safeguard their human rights. 

We invite you to view our 2023 Annual Impact Report, which details the accomplishments of our  work we’ve accomplished over the past last year.