HEKS/EPER is making a difference in the «Advocacy» in Switzerland
Through its work in Switzerland, Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) fosters social inclusion for disadvantaged people, promotes equal opportunity and supports asylum seekers and other socially deprived people with legal advice.
HEKS/EPER maintains six regional offices in Switzerland, which operate over 50 projects in 13 cantons.
The work of HEKS/EPER revolves around socially disadvantaged people. These include asylum seekers and refugees, sans-papiers (undocumented persons) as well as people on low incomes and those facing discrimination. They are all especially at risk of seeing their rights violated or of social exclusion. HEKS/EPER advocates on their behalf and strives to support them in exercising their rights and improving their lot. HEKS/EPER works actively to secure Switzerland's protection for people who would be in danger if they returned to their country of origin or to a third country, whether for medical reasons, owing to violence and war, the lack of a social security network or because of deliberate persecution.
HEKS/EPER Legal Advice Office for Asylum Seekers Zurich
The HEKS/EPER Legal Advice Office Zurich informs asylum seekers and temporarily admitted persons about the asylum procedure and provides legal advice and assistance.
Legal Advice Office for Asylum Seekers Aargau
The Legal Aid Office advises asylum seekers and temporarily admitted persons in the Canton of Aargau on matters regarding asylum and the law on foreign nationals.
Legal Advice Office for Asylum Seekers Solothurn
The Legal Advice Office advises asylum seekers and temporarily admitted persons in the Canton of Solothurn on matters regarding asylum and the law on foreign nationals.
HEKS/EPER Legal Advice Office for Asylum Seekers Thurgau
The HEKS/EPER Legal Advice Office Thurgau informs asylum seekers and temporarily admitted persons about the asylum procedure and provides legal advice and assistance.
Project Basel-Stadt and Baselland
BAS Legal Aid Office for Asylum Seekers
The Legal Aid Office advises asylum seekers and temporarily admitted persons from the Basel region on aspects of the law on asylum and foreign nationals.
Project Canton of Basel-Stadt
Contact point for detainees pending deportation
HEKS/EPER runs a contact point at the administrative detention centre in Basel to provide advice and legal assistance to persons in detention pending deportation.
Projects in French-speaking Switzerland
CROE, HEKS/EPER organizes for an observer to be present at hearings on the grounds for asylum, in order to ensure the fairness of the procedure.