News

The Russian invasion of Ukraine began almost a year ago. The aid agency of the Protestant Church in Switzerland (HEKS/EPER) and its partner organisations – all of which were already operating in the region before the crisis – have used a budget of 10 million Swiss francs in Ukraine, its neighbouring countries and in Switzerland to help the victims of the conflict. 

The violent earthquake on the Turkish-Syrian border has brought destruction and suffering to the local people. HEKS/EPER has been present in the affected areas in northern Syria for years, working with local partner churches. These were able to launch the first urgent emergency aid measures just a few hours after the disaster.

The conciliation hearing in October 2022 concluded without results. Now, four residents of the Indonesian island Pari, the existence of which is under threat, are taking the Swiss cement corporation to court.

The new strategy for the years 2023 to 2027 sets key priorities and lays the groundwork for the systematic implementation of our vision of a just world where the dignity of everyone is respected, peace prevails and the natural environment is preserved.

So far in Switzerland, it has been possible for temporarily admitted refugees to be joined by family members after a three-year waiting period, at the earliest. Following an appeal by a lawyer from the HEKS/EPER Legal Advice Centre (SAJE) in Lausanne, the Federal Administrative Court has now adapted its jurisprudence. Effective immediately, consideration of the right to family on a case-by-case basis must now begin before the end of the three-year period.

Representatives of seven Swiss organisations today staged a protest on the Bundesplatz (Federal Square) in Berne against the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The UPOV system criminalises farmers around the world for reusing their seeds. Switzerland requires its trading partners to implement UPOV rules under their trade agreements. This untenable practice is to be ended by an initiative in Parliament.

Exactly two years after the vote on the Responsible Business Initiative, the initiators submit an impressive petition. Now that the EU is bringing in robust legislation on corporate accountability, the Federal Council should honour the promise it made during the referendum campaign.

East Africa is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years. As a result, 36 million people now depend urgently on humanitarian aid, in the absence of which, the famine is likely to grow more acute. Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is assisting people being impacted by drought and hunger in the Horn of Africa, especially in Ethiopia, and plans to scale up its aid there. In view of the National Day of Solidarity organized by "Swiss Solidarity" for 23 November, HEKS/EPER is supporting the appeal to the Swiss public for donations to help suffering people in East Africa.

Climate change is advancing ever more rapidly and unleashing its destructive consequences, especially for people in the countries of the Global South. The UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), beginning on Sunday in Sharm el-Sheik, could be the last chance to turn the tide. The inhabitants of Pari island have already taken action: they are demanding climate justice and have thus initiated legal proceedings against the Swiss cement corporation Holcim.