Advocacy for asylum seekers and the socially disadvantaged
HEKS/EPER strives to obtain Switzerland's protection for people who, upon returning to their home country or to a third country would be endangered, be it for medical reasons or due to violence and war, lacking social welfare facilities or direct persecution. With funding from Cantonal Reformed and Catholic Churches, HEKS/EPER operates seven legal aid offices for asylum seekers and refugees. The legal experts involved are committed to ensuring a fair asylum procedure guided by the rule of law. They strive to find and implement the best solution for each asylum seeker. This safeguards their rights under federal and international law. HEKS/EPER also supports socially disadvantaged, jobless or social welfare-dependent people with pro bono legal advice, covering the main areas of legislation on social insurance, social welfare, children and guardianship and on aliens.