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.

Despite all the urgent pleas from the international community, Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine undeterred. The worst fears have come true, as the civilian population is now being targeted in this atrocious war. Thousands are having to hide in bunkers, and two million people have already fled to neighbouring countries.

Despite all the urgent appeals from the international community, Russia has so far continued its invasion of Ukraine undeterred. Over half a million people are already fleeing to western Ukraine and neighbouring countries from places witnessing the fiercest fighting. Should the war continue for much longer, their number could soon be in the millions. For now, therefore, HEKS/EPER is providing humanitarian aid to the tune of 700,000 francs. 

The worst fears of global civil society have become brutal reality in recent hours. A war has broken out in the heart of Europe, with still no certainty at all as to the turn that things will take. HEKS/EPER condemns the Russian invasion and demands respect for international law.

HEKS/EPER supports the recommendations formulated in the report by former federal judge Niklaus Oberholzer on safety in Federal Asylum Centres (FACs), designed to prevent incidents of violence and ensure that such incidents can be better looked into.