Karolina Frischkopf takes up post as HEKS Director
On 1 March Karolina Frischkopf took up her new post as Director of HEKS/EPER. She is the first woman to head the organisation in its almost 80-year history.
Death of HEKS/EPER staff in Ukraine caused by drone attacks
On February 1st, 2024, a team of HEKS/EPER staff was attacked while on a mission to assess the humanitarian situation in southeastern Ukraine. Tragically, two staff members lost their lives, and four were injured. An investigation of the incident shows that the deliberate attack was carried out by drones.
The humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly dramatic
The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly desperate: people are starving and the medical services are collapsing. Rapid aid is vital for those affected. But despite the great need, it cannot be adequately financed at present. HEKS is therefore urgently dependent on further donations.
In October, the Zug Cantonal Court approved the request of Asmania, Arif, Bobby and Edi for legal aid. For the four plaintiffs, this is an important interim step in the continuation of the proceedings against the Zug-based Holcim AG.
HEKS/EPER condemns the horrific attacks by armed groups against Israel and Israeli civilians. The atrocities can by no means be justified. HEKS/EPER also condemns the attacks against civilians in Gaza.
HEKS/EPER has decided to close its country office in Kirkuk at the end of August 2023 and to end its humanitarian commitment and its own projects in Iraq.
SAJE wins appeal to the European Court of Human Rights
In its ruling rendered on July 4, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) condemned Switzerland in three of the four cases in which the State Secretariat for Migration refused to grant family reunification to individuals who partially relied on social assistance. The Service d'Aide Juridique aux Exilé-e-s (SAJE) lodged two appeals, one of which was successful.