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.
The conflict in the Middle East has reached a largely unprecedented level of violence in the past two weeks. HEKS/EPER is committed to protecting the civilian population and is preparing to bring humanitarian assistance to suffering civilians as rapidly as possible.
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.
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.
HEKS/EPER supports the rural population in the Maradi and Zinder regions in building up profitable and sustainable agricultural production and in livestock farming.
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.
As a national organization with its head office in Zurich, HEKS/EPER maintains five Business Offices in German-speaking Switzerland and one in Western Switzerland. HEKS/EPER advocates for a more just world and a life in dignity for all people.
In southern Honduras, HEKS/EPER supports projects for the development of rural communities, the protection and defence of human rights, as well as disaster preparedness programmes.
In Colombia, HEKS/EPER is contributing to a more just and peaceful society and to improving the livelihoods of internally displaced families and rural communities.