idealist.org

The Regional Council for the Unrecognized Arab Villages in the Negev (RCUV) is a democratically elected body, chosen to represent the Bedouin community of the 45 unrecognized villages in the Negev. The residents of each village elect a local committee of 3- 7 persons, who become members of the general assembly of the RCUV. The general assembly elects the chairperson and the executive committee once every 4 years.

The primary goal of the RCUV is unconditional governmental recognition of the Arab Bedouin (unrecognized) villages in the Negev, which have been completely excluded from any form of governmental support or recognition. This recognition, however, must translate to more than municipal services. "Recognition" implies social, economic, and cultural equality with all citizens of Israel. The RCUV urges the Israeli government to adopt a just policy to develop the Bedouin villages and community, taking into account their social identity and historical rights on the land.