Two ominous mega-crises are already making their presence felt today: the climate emergency and social inequality. That is why Solidar Suisse advocates for those affected by climate change in disadvantaged regions of the world and a socially just transition to a sustainable economy. It was with this goal in mind that we promoted fair employment for hundreds of thousands of people in 2024.
Engagement around the globe
Our global commitment was particularly focused on those affected by conflict, natural disasters, and extreme inequality. In development cooperation, we invested in decent work, vocational training, and the strengthening of democratic participation in order to give local people the opportunity to improve their living conditions. In the area of humanitarian action, we focussed on overcoming acute crises and supporting people in need. In Switzerland, we raised awareness on the link between consumption, working conditions, and inequality.
Utilisation of funds 2024
Of the 31 million Swiss francs spent in 2024, a total of 85.4 percent went to our international programs in development cooperation, humanitarian action, and campaigning.
We invested 12.1 million francs in development cooperation, for example in Burkina Faso, Southeast Asia, Honduras, Bangladesh, and South Africa. 10.8 million francs went to humanitarian action in countries such as Turkey, Syria, Bolivia, and Pakistan.
Voices from the projects
Alexandra Kelly, Lawyer at our partner organisation Foro de Mujeres in Honduras
“According to our observations, 231 women were murdered
in Honduras in 2024. There are no official figures
on femicides. No matter which government is in power,
women continue to be murdered and experience sexual
and physical violence – at home, on the street, at work.
In 95 percent of femicide cases, no-one is ever sentenced.
This sends out a message from the state that a
man can rape or kill a woman with impunity. The consequences
are deadly. Pressure on our
part has contributed to the few women-friendly laws
and policies which currently exist.”
Astika Andriani, Coordinator of the platform for workers in southeast Asia
“One of the main priorities of the Solidar platform for
workers is its support for gig workers. They are not recognised
by the state as employees, which means they
are not covered by employment law. They have no access
to social security or healthcare. Nor do maximum
working hours or minimum wage rates apply to them.
And they have no trade union registration rights. So,
they are setting up initiatives which organise practical
matters such as rest areas where couriers can stop off
to drink water and relax. And last year, despite everything,
they were even able to establish a trade union.