Inclusion

HEKS/EPER is committed to inclusive co-existence worldwide and in Switzerland. HEKS/EPER’s social policy activities aim to achieve structural changes to provide more equal opportunities and participation. HEKS/EPER’s programme work supports socially disadvantaged individuals and groups in asserting their rights and achieving their potential.

Social inequality is growing worldwide. Wars, conflicts and the impacts of climate change have a particularly negative impact on socially disadvantaged people, destroying their livelihoods and forcing them migrate or flee. Social stigmatisation and discriminatory structures are exacerbating the economic deprivation of those affected and often prevent them from improving their situation themselves.

This is why HEKS/EPER attaches great importance to the socioeconomic transformation to an inclusive society. Inclusion means giving everyone equal opportunity to participate in economic, social and political life. In an inclusive society everyone has equal access to public assets and institutions, regardless of their origin, religion or gender.

What we do

Inclusion in Switzerland

Support of active participation

In Switzerland, HEKS/EPER’s advisory and integration services support the active and autonomous participation in society by disadvantaged people.

More

HEKS

Inclusion worldwide

Equal rights for marginalised groups

HEKS/EPER works with marginalised groups abroad and helps them to assert their rights and increase their social, political and economic participation.

More

Ein würdevolles Leben für Minderheiten in Indien. Helfen Sie jetzt

Christian Bobst

News

Photo reports

New start in the neighbouring country

More...

Neue HEKS-Strategie: Konsolidierung − Transformation − Fokussierung

HEKS/EPER Strategy 2023 to 2027

Consolidation – Focus – Transformation

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.

More

Beratungsstelle für Asylsuchende in Basel

Press release, 8th December 2021

Parliament decides on travel ban for temporarily admitted

The National Council this week went along with the decision of the Council of States and enshrined a travel ban for temporarily admitted persons in law through the amendment of the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNA). HEKS/EPER regrets this decision, which could hold far-reaching implications for temporarily admitted persons.

More

Press release of 17 July 2019

No sustainable development without civil society

How should Switzerland approach to its international cooperation in the future? The Federal Council has submitted its proposed strategy together with an explanatory report for public consultation. HEKS/EPER is commenting on the proposal and underlining that the empowerment of civil society is receiving far too little attention.

More...

Engagiert für Geflüchtete: Sprachcafé Russikon

Press release of 13 Mai 2019

Volunteering with refugees highly popular in Switzerland

Integrating refugees is inconceivable without the substantial participation of numerous volunteers around Switzerland. For the first time, a representative study commissioned by HEKS/EPER reveals the dimensions and potential of voluntary work with refugees. Through the online platform for volunteers www.engagiert.jetzt, HEKS/EPER endeavours specifically to harness and coordinate this potential.

More...

HEKS/EPER on the frontline of implementation

Revised Asylum Act in force

The revised Asylum Act took effect on 1 March 2019. It is expected in particular to speed up the asylum procedure. HEKS/EPER is also involved in its practical implementation through various mandates.

More...

Background

Civil societies and peace-building

Peaceful coexistence and strong civil societies

Peace and stability are prerequisites for development and prosperity. HEKS/EPER peace work begins in everyday life.

More

HEKS/EPER and the 2030 Agenda

The path to sustainable development

The UN «2030 Agenda» is a global plan for promoting sustainable development up to 2030. For the current decade, the «2030 Agenda» and its guiding principle of «leaving no-one behind» constitute a key priority and frame of reference for the work of HEKS/EPER abroad and in Switzerland. Because equitable access to social, economic, cultural and political life lays the solid groundwork needed for thriving, inclusive and peaceful societies.

More

Photo reports

New start in the neighbouring country

More...

Thematic Factsheet

Gender Equality

Herunterladen

CEFORD project officer inspecting Wolyam Charles´ bags of casavas in his store in Bidibidi refugee settlement.

Thematic Factsheet

Conflict Sensitivity

Download

Ohne starke Zivilgesellschaft keine Entwicklung

Development of rural communities

For a strong civil society

Formulating a creative development policy geared to people's needs is hardly conceivable without civil society participation. HEKS/EPER has been championing greater room for manoeuvre for underprivileged population groups for many years now. HEKS/EPER promotes project partners at the local, national and international levels that help these people avail themselves of their rights.

Take action

ECHO– Information on Switzerland

Neutrality, equality, AHV/AVS & Co

What is federalism? Who will help me if I fall ill? How and why do I pay taxes? In short: How does Switzerland work? ECHO – the richly illustrated and updated 38-page civics brochure put out by HEKS/EPER's Eastern Switzerland Branch Office provides answers.

Order

Asserting rights, boosting participation

Inclusion

What we do

Inclusion in Switzerland

Inclusion worldwide

Thank you for your Support!

Your donation will trigger big changes from small beginnings.