Our work against poverty by Caritas Schweiz

Annual Report 2021 Our work against poverty

2021

Editorial

For decades, extreme poverty in the world has declined every year. However, this positive trend has now been broken. More than 800 million people – almost one tenth of the world’s population – have to survive on less than 1.9 dollars a day. The fact that this is significantly more than even two years ago is not only a consequence of the coronavirus crisis. Conflicts are also among the causes. And not least, man-made global warming deprives more and more people of their livelihoods. One person who recognised this very early on and drew attention to it on the international stage is Prof. Thomas Stocker. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Prix Caritas last year. Because climate change is one of the most important causes of poverty and hunger worldwide, Caritas is increasingly focusing on this issue in its project activities. In Switzerland we also have to deal with the social consequences of the coronavirus crisis. In the last two years, Caritas Switzerland, together with the Regional Caritas Organisations, has engaged in the largest relief effort in its history to support people in Switzerland. Demand for social counselling, short-term financial assistance, low-cost food items and other project offers remains high. But the causes go deeper. Poverty has increased steadily in Switzerland since 2014. With our appeal ‘For a Switzerland without poverty’, we are sending a message. Switzerland is capable of reversing this trend. Providing concrete assistance to people in need is just as much part of Caritas’ task as advocating fair framework conditions that prevent poverty. I thank all those who have supported our work in the past year. And I shall be glad if we continue to have you at our side in the fight against poverty. Warmest thanks to you all!

Claudius Luterbacher President Caritas Switzerland

Content 4

International cooperation

The poorest in this world suffer most as a result of the climate crisis. Caritas strengthens their resilience and helps to secure their livelihoods.

Activities in Switzerland

Marília S. is one of 22,000 people whom Caritas supported financially during the coronavirus pandemic.

Humanitarian aid

Haiti was once again hit by an earthquake. After providing emergency relief, Caritas is supporting the victims over the longer term.

Caritas in figures

The overview of the annual accounts shows what the sources of income are and how Caritas deploys it.

Interview

Switzerland could and should do more against growing poverty, Bruno Bertschy stresses in the interview.

Climate

Justice for the poorest Switzerland owes a debt The climate crisis worsens the situation of the poorest in the Global South. Although their CO2 emissions are many times smaller than those of the industrialised countries, they are the hardest hit. Justice is demanded from the rich countries in the North. Caritas calls for more support payments and compensation contributions for those affected, as well as for an integral climate foreign policy for Switzerland. Modeste Traoré was a fisherman, just like his father. But a few years ago he had to give up fishing because Lake Wegnia is slowly drying up and no longer fills his nets. Since then, he and his extended family have been making their living from agriculture. With support from Caritas, he has learned new cultivation methods. Now he knows how he can increase his harvest despite scarce water resources. “Since we’ve grown our own vegetables, we may not have a lot of money, but we have enough to eat”, says Modeste. In total, 27,000 people in 43 villages work on the fields around the perimeter of Lake Wegnia. The shores of the lake are badly affected by erosion. Thanks to the Caritas project, they are being protected and strengthened.

The climate crisis is already a reality For people in developing countries, the climate crisis is already a brutal reality. The poorest are hit first, mostly women and children, small farmers, indigenous peoples and people in slums or on islands that are slowly sinking into the sea. People there don’t have the necessary resources to protect themselves against droughts, flash floods and hurricanes. Nor can they rely on the state, on insurance payments or other forms of compensation. They are exposed to the effects of global warming without protection. Africa is particularly hard hit The African continent is particularly hard hit. Caritas Switzerland has provided emergency aid in many countries for decades and supports the population with its projects for sustainable development. Around 70 per cent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa lives from agriculture. Farmers in those countries often work without artificial irrigation and depend on regular precipitation. Since this no longer occurs, they are particularly exposed to climate change. The more frequent dry periods and droughts in the Sahel

Image right: Lake Wegnia is drying out due to climate change. Modeste, formerly a fisherman, now has to earn his living as a farmer.

In Africa in 2021

people were able to learn, through Caritas projects, to adapt to the changed climate.

5 International Cooperation

69,730

region are reducing yields in countries like Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso. Famine, despair, violence and forced displacement are the consequence.

“ Instead of defending old

technologies, we must invest in new solutions. ”

With Caritas’ support, Modeste is learning about new cultivation methods that conserve scarce resources.

Switzerland must take responsibility Although the countries in the Global South contribute least to global warming, they are most affected by the consequences of climate change. In a worldwide comparison, Switzerland’s carbon footprint is huge. The average Swiss person

emits twelve tons of CO2-equivalent per year. That is approximately as much as 33 return flights from Zurich to London. An Ethiopian consumes one hundred and twentieth of this, i. e. 0.1 tons of CO2 per year. Switzerland has a correspondingly great share of responsibility to limit global climate change and cope with its negative effects. Climate justice is required: Switzerland must drive forward social and ecological change at home – in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2040 – and at the same time help the poorer countries to adapt to the devastating consequences of global warming. Necessary steps in Switzerland Caritas Switzerland is committed to work for socially just, ecologically sound and economically sustainable change, as set out in the UN Agenda 2030. That is why it makes concrete

A farmer spreads natural fertilizer on a field.

Caritas climate projects in developing countries Many people in developing countries, who are already amongst the world’s poorest, are losing their livelihoods completely due to global warming and are having to flee to other regions. To increase their resilience and secure their livelihood, Caritas puts particular emphasis on climate aspects in its projects. “Climate and satellite data are essential for our projects – as with Lake Wegnia in Mali”, says Franziska Koller, head of International Cooperation Caritas Switzerland. “The evaluation of satellite data helps to decide on the right measures.” Exact weather data shows farmers when the best-possible time is for sowing and harvesting. This enables them to grow enough food. That is why Caritas has concluded a framework agreement with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The aim is to gain

6 7 International Cooperation

demands on the government. They range from the decarbonisation of our society via increasing the funds for development cooperation (to one billion), compensation contributions to developing countries and investments exclusively in CO2-neutral sectors. Furthermore, an integral climate foreign policy is necessary. “We must initiate and implement solutions”, says Thomas Stocker, the Swiss climate scientist who was awarded the Prix Caritas in June 2021. “Huge investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency are indispensable. Equally essential is the sustainable use of resources and closing the material and consumption cycles”. He is convinced that Switzerland has the strength to trigger a technological development surge. “We must not miss this opportunity. Instead of defending old technologies, we must invest in new solutions.”

In Tajikistan,

800

people benefitted in 2021 from new weather stations and were able to increase their agricultural yields.

an in-depth understanding of the weather and climate conditions at Lake Wegnia and use it for effective and sustainable development. Caritas has developed solutions for the preservation of Lake Wegnia. Modeste and the other inhabitants around Lake Wegnia have for some time been using climate-adapted seeds, organic nutrients and fertilisers. This is crucial in view of the periods of drought – as is the right time of sowing or harvesting. Moreover, the inhabitants around Lake Wegnia have learned to use the scarce resources with care. Other measures include reforestation, shore protection, climate-adapted species, crop rotation and the establishment of protected forest areas. The residents around the lake are very aware of how important the lake and its surrounding area are for them, and are trying harder than in the past to preserve their natural environment. Otherwise, climate change will cost them the meagre income they have worked so hard to earn. Standing up to climate change Caritas cannot stop climate change, but it can help the people affected to better adapt to the new conditions. It develops support measures

that take the changes into account. If there is less rainfall in a region, and it occurs only in intensive, short phases, for example, then storing water is very important. Rock catchments, retention basins or cisterns collect the water when there is an abundance so that it is available in periods of drought. If dry phases become longer, or rain occurs irregularly, drought-resistant seeds and adapted agricultural methods are needed. Caritas plans conservation and agroecological measures that will increase the humus content of the soil. This improves the water absorption capacity and structure of the soils, making them better able to withstand droughts and produce higher yields. As a result, the risk of floods and erosion are reduced. Climate Share: making a practical contribution Caritas has launched a “Climate Share”, which allows us to offer practical help to the people who are suffering most from climate change. Anyone who subscribes to a Climate Share and renews it annually makes a sustained investment in climate justice.

Tajikistan: Reliable weather forecasts for all Low-cost weather stations throughout the country enable the Tajik weather service to provide reliable weather forecasts and storm warnings. This means the farmers can secure their harvests. In Tajikistan, the soil is exhausted – a consequence of deforestation, overgrazing and global warming. That is why natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more intensive. Caritas Switzerland is taking an innovative approach. It supports the Tajik weather service in providing the farmers as well as the authorities with reliable and detailed weather forecasts and storm warnings which until now have been largely lacking. It helps the farmers to increase their harvest yields and secure their livelihoods. Also, trees are planted to halt erosion. Taking the right decisions Caritas focuses on low-cost weather stations in the project. The system is based entirely on open-source technologies and can thus be easily adapted to the specific requirements in the country. The farmers maintain the stations and supplement the data with their own weather observations. The data is then transferred to the central weather service which makes it available to farmers and public authorities throughout the country. It means that the farmers can not only make sound decisions on sowing, but also protect themselves better against the risks of natural hazards.

MeteoSwiss as an important partner The project was developed under the auspices of Caritas Switzerland in cooperation with various partners. A vital role was played by MeteoSwiss – the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology. Also involved are the Swiss WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as well as the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA). In addition, cooperation at government level in Tajikistan receives considerable support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) which covers roughly 50 percent of the project costs. Complex but promising Boris Orlowsky, the programme director for Tajikistan at Caritas Switzerland, explains that the approach is systemic and therefore complex. “It is therefore vital to take the first steps simultaneously at the different levels: from the farmers via the district administration to the national weather service and the ministries”. Christoph Spirig, research associate at MeteoSwiss, considers the international project to be promising. MeteoSwiss supports the project with its know-how in meteorology and measuring technology.

8 9 International Cooperation

Two Caritas Switzerland employees install the new weather stations, which are inexpensive and easy to operate.

Climate protection and energy transition

Shea butter from Chad in Switzerland

Caritas’ 2022 Development Policy Almanac is devoted to the theme of ‘Climate protection and energy transition’. How can the CO2 phase-out succeed? The climate crisis demands fast action, and there is no way of avoiding an energy transition if decarbonisation is to succeed. CO2 emissions from coal, oil and natural gas are responsible for two thirds of man-made global warming. The industrialised countries have a particular responsibility because their entire development is based on the use of fossil fuels – at the expense of the countries in the Global South that are most affected by climate change. The great challenge is to help renewable energies achieve a breakthrough and at the same time combat energy poverty in the Global South. shop.caritas.ch

The shea butter producers in Chad supported by Caritas Switzerland made important progress in 2021. In June, the high-quality butter they produce was certified as organic by the European organisation Ecocert. The shea butter producers have worked hard for several years to obtain the organic certification. And for the first time, they are supplying their shea butter and soap to Switzerland. These events mark a new stage for the shea butter producers in Chad. Purchasing these products helps the women to gain greater autonomy – a real change in their lives. *

Sustainable agriculture in Uganda Life in northern Uganda is hard, and climate change as well as the coronavirus crisis are exacerbating the situation. In addition, the region hosts 900,000 refugees from South Sudan. Caritas Switzerland, working with its local, national and international partners, is doing everything to counteract a dangerous negative spiral. Families must be able to secure their food in the long term. Our projects are aimed both at the local population and the refugees. An important aspect is providing information about sustainable cultivation methods that are productive and conserve natural resources. The families need sources of income. Caritas offers them training to help them manage their income and expenditure. *

45 ‘Blue Schools’ in Cambodia

In the north-west of Cambodia, Caritas Switzerland works to improve the hygiene conditions in schools. The concept of ‘Blue Schools’ is implemented in 45 school buildings. First, childfriendly toilets are built, if possible with eco-soakaway beds. For hand-washing with soap, rainwater is collected, and filters are installed for clean drinking water. In the school gardens, the children learn that the production of food depends on the efficient use of natural resources. They also improve their knowledge about healthy nutrition, organic cultivation methods and the sustainable use of land and water. *

Help for migrants in the Sahel

Support for agriculture in Kosovo

Agriculture remains the most important source of income for people in rural areas in Kosovo. Around 60 per cent of the population live there. Most of the farmers practise subsistence agriculture and are therefore poorly integrated into the market system. Caritas Switzerland supports the development of market systems for * with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

agriculture in Kosovo. In ten regions in the country, including a majority of Albanian and Serbian areas, it promotes the cultivation, processing and marketing of profitable products: Value chains for berries, medicinal and aromatic plants as well as fruit and vegetable processing were chosen for this purpose. The project is gratifyingly successful. The farmers are integrated into a sustainable and viable market system which increases their income. The aim is to involve more than 1,000 enterprises in the rural areas by the end of 2022. *

10 11 International Cooperation

The Promisa project managed by Caritas Switzerland and its local partners in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger is designed to help migrants on the Sahel routes. The project ensures the provision of basic supplies of water, food items, hygiene products and access to medical care. The migrants are also given psychological counselling and financial support. The aim is to protect the most vulnerable people such as women and children and to help the victims of people trafficking. Circular migration between different African countries has always been important in the Sahel region. These regional migration flows contribute actively to combatting poverty. However, more and more people are trying to reach the Mediterranean, thus worsening the region’s security situation. For people who leave their country due to social, economic and climatic crises, it is becoming ever more dangerous to travel across Burkina Faso, Mali or Niger. *

Haiti in a state of emergency Haiti faces a high concentration of different risks at the same time: a high probability of natural disasters, great political instability, a high rate of criminality, high unemployment, and the Covid 19 pandemic. In August, a 7.2 force earthquake, and a tropical storm a few days later in the south-west of Haiti, resulted in 2,000 deaths and 12,000 injured. Many buildings and part of the infrastructure were destroyed. Tens of thousands became homeless, and many lost their sources of income in agriculture, the retail trade or crafts. Basic services no longer assured Since the murder of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, the situation in already crisis-torn Haiti has deteriorated. Increasingly, criminal gangs were able to take control of entire districts in Port-au-Prince and other cities and the number of armed attacks and kidnappings rose. In addition, the fuel reserves – which are of central importance for delivering the country’s services – were blocked. Food became even more scarce throughout the country. By September, around 40 per cent or 11.4 million inhabitants were finding it very difficult to obtain sufficient food and were severely impacted by the insecure situation. Strengthening resilience From September to November, Caritas Switzerland and the local partners Caritas Cayes, Caritas Haiti and AHAAMES – co-funded by the SDC – provided emergency relief to two particularly affected communities. There is still a very long way to go before the political situation becomes clear and the government can guarantee access to adequate basic services. In cooperation with local partners, Caritas Switzerland is planning the reconstruction of earthquake-proof buildings such as schools. In addition, it intends to strengthen the resilience of the population confronted with the numerous current challenges and future risks.

Humanitarian Aid

In 2021, Caritas Switzerland supported

136,650 people in disaster areas with relief supplies and cash so they could meet their basic needs.

On the ground in an emergency In the world’s hot spots

Haiti On 14 August, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the south-west of Haiti. It claimed more than 2,200 lives and 12,000 people were injured. Around 53,000 houses were destroyed, 77,000 damaged. Hospitals, schools and roads were also badly damaged. The water supply failed in some places. Moreover, emergency aid to the population was hampered by tropical storm Grace, which swept across Haiti shortly afterwards. Nearly 40 per cent of the region’s population were dependent on humanitarian aid in August, due to the natural disasters. Even before the earthquake, the population was suffering due to the unstable security situation, supply bottlenecks and the high inflation rate – not to mention Covid-19. Caritas Switzerland, in cooperation with local partners, responded quickly with cash transfers to around 2,000 particularly vulnerable families to cover their basic needs. In addition, it distributed relief items to some of these families, as well as medicines and hygiene products to 15 local health centres. This project was co-funded by Swiss Solidarity.

Brazil The supply crisis in Venezuela is causing thousands of people to leave the country. They are trying to build a new life in the surrounding countries. The Brazilian federal state of Roraima has already taken in thousands of people even though it is among the country’s poorest regions. Economic opportunities are very limited here, and the pandemic has worsened the situation further. Caritas distributes hygiene and safety materials to the refugees. It also supports people – often members of an indigenous population group or a minority – with cash payments. This emergency aid is intended to help the vulnerable refugees to integrate more easily. Caritas works on the ground with SPM, a local NGO, which has a country-wide network. It provides accommodation and gives legal advice to the migrants.

Lebanon

Afghanistan The takeover of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan triggered a huge wave of refugees in August. Thousands of Afghans sought protection from violence and oppression in the neighbouring countries. Caritas Switzerland allocated 300,000 Swiss francs in emergency aid for the refugees. In Pakistan, it supported the emergency aid of Caritas Austria, which provided tents, sleeping mats, blankets and clothes. In addition, it distributed basic food items, cooking utensils and hygiene products. This aid benefitted 15,000 people. In Tajikistan, Caritas Switzerland distributed 600 aid packages to the Afghan refugees. They received mattresses, cushions, blankets, towels and hygiene kits. Women, children and older people in particular were to be given greater protection in the already cool autumn days. Caritas Switzerland cooperated in this with the Tajikistan Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense (CoES).

14 15 Humanitarian Aid

Since the huge explosion in Beirut harbour in summer 2020, Caritas Switzerland has continued to provide aid on the ground in Lebanon. To this end, it cooperates with Caritas Lebanon. The explosion left a trail of destruction in its wake, buildings in a one kilometre radius were destroyed or severely damaged. 300,000 people lost their homes, permanently or temporarily. The explosion hit the country – in the midst of the pandemic - when it was already economically and socially on the brink. The structurally weak country has accepted more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees since the start of the Syrian war. People’s daily lives are marked by growing poverty and unemployment, as well as a rapid collapse of the local currency. Thanks to the help of Swiss Solidarity, Caritas is able to support the people in Lebanon a year after the explosion with cash payments.

“The worst thing is the lack of options for action” Interview with Bruno Bertschy, head of the Project Switzerland Section and member of the Executive Board

According to the federal government’s statistics, more than 700,000 people are affected by poverty. Despite this, some people seem to doubt that poverty is even a problem in Switzerland. What do you say to that? There is something cynical about it. Those who try to qualify such figures ignore the fact that they represent the lives of individual people. Each of these situations must be taken seriously. It is not acceptable that poverty has been increasing for years and has been further exacerbated by the

“ Daily life is a permanent,

grinding programme of scrimping and saving. ” current coronavirus crisis. The impression that poverty in Switzerland is not that bad is probably connected to the fact that often, the people affected are not seen to be in distress. But being poor in Switzerland is difficult to bear. The worst is the lack of options for action. Every day is about making sure that the most important basic needs are met. Daily life is a permanent, grinding programme of scrimping and saving. Faced with the coronavirus crisis, what can Caritas do to help those affected? We have carried out the largest relief effort in the history of Caritas. This was possible thanks to donations, to funding from Swiss Solidarity, as well as cooperation with the Regional Caritas Organisations. Initially, immediate financial aid in acute emergencies was at the forefront. The need for social counselling was much greater than in normal times. We continue to expand both services. In addition, we are redoubling

our efforts to improve the framework conditions for livelihood security, access to education and affordable accommodation for people affected by poverty. In the field of asylum and migration, what challenges emerged in this crisis? Fewer refugees came to Switzerland in the coronavirus crisis. Despite this, the federal centres where asylum seekers are accommodated on their arrival are full. Only half of the originally planned capacities can be used due to the hygiene measures. That leads to full occupancy and more referrals to cantons which are experiencing the same capacity problems themselves. The implementation of asylum procedures is reaching its limits. At the same time, the all-important professional and social integration of recognised refugees has become noticeably more difficult. On the one hand, everyone is calling for specialist workers while on the other hand many people simply find no work because they do not meet the requirements, or there is a lack of job offers for people with low qualifications. After ten years at Caritas Switzerland, you are retiring in the summer of 2022. What conclusions do you draw? When I started my job, Caritas had launched a campaign to halve poverty. The Federal Council also addressed poverty with a newly launched programme. I had expected that I could make a contribution here at Caritas so that the numbers would go down. Today, I have to note with regret: Poverty has not diminished but has actually got worse. We have responded to the growing need by greatly expanding our services. I have appreciated the messages from people who thanked us for the support and told us that their situation has improved. The Federal Constitution states that the strength of society is measured by the well-being of the weakest. Switzerland should pursue this ambitious objective more seriously. With our wealth, we have the means available.

16 17 Interview

In affluent Switzerland, poverty figures have risen steadily since 2014. Caritas is having to help more and more people. The coronavirus crisis has further exacerbated this.

Development policy Climate justice for the poorest Switzerland’s great climate responsibility With its high greenhouse gas emissions per person, Switzerland bears a large share of responsibility for taking effective measures to mitigate the devastating impacts of global heating. It must not only drastically reduce its own CO2 emissions, but at the same time support poorer countries more effectively in climate protection and adaptation. Caritas calls on the federal government to double the climate funds for developing countries – in addition to the funds of official development cooperation - to at least

1 billion Swiss francs a year. Together with international climate financing, more compensation contributions must be paid to developing countries. Hunger is spreading again worldwide With accelerating global warming and the coronavirus crisis, global hunger is growing again. The world is failing to provide sufficient and healthy food to the poorest and most vulnerable people. In the run-up to the UN Food Systems Summit in New York on 23 September, Caritas pointed out in a position paper how Switzerland can contribute to a change of direction in favour of a fairer, crisis-proof and sustainable food system.

The quote on federal policy

“ We have the coronavirus crisis and the climate crisis, digitisation is advancing rapidly – and more and more people no longer find their place in our society. ”

Marianne Hochuli, Head of Research and Policy Section, about the launch of the appeal for a Switzerland without poverty in the programme ‘Le Journal’ shown on the Swiss television station RTS Un on 6 December 2021

18 19

Social and migration policy A Switzerland without poverty as the goal Appeal for a Switzerland without poverty Poverty in Switzerland has been growing for years, and inequality has been exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis. People living barely above the poverty line whose income was barely enough to cover their living expenses are increasingly getting into difficulties. Caritas Switzerland is concerned about this development and thus, in December, launched an appeal for a ‘Switzerland without poverty’ which is addressed to government and business (caritas. ch/appell). The position paper ‘A Switzerland without poverty is possible’ identifies the most important gaps and demands more action to avert poverty. Socially compatible climate protection is possible An effective climate policy is more urgent than ever. Switzerland, too, must reduce its green-

house gas emissions to zero as quickly as possible. But can this be achieved in a socially acceptable way? From the perspective of Caritas Switzerland, the answer is a clear ‘yes’. In the position paper ‘A socially compatible climate protection is possible’, it showed policy makers in September ways to achieve this. Social security must not depend on people’s passports Anyone in Switzerland who gets into financial difficulties is entitled to support for a dignified existence. However, the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration imposes ever greater restrictions. The coronavirus crisis has shown clearly that this leads to poverty. In order to prevent such precarity, the legal linking of residence status and livelihood security must be removed.

20 21

In distress due to coronavirus The pandemic has consequences 2021 was the second year of the pandemic – with grave consequences. Many people lost their job, had to accept wage cuts of 20 per cent due to short-time work, or were dependent on support from Caritas. The pandemic revealed that there is structural poverty in Switzerland which is quietly spreading. But a Switzerland without poverty is possible, and Caritas has launched an appeal to this effect. Marília S., 46, who works in the watch industry in Western Switzerland, had the courage to face the camera. In May 2020, she was among the first to become unemployed as a result of the pandemic. Suddenly she had to manage with 20 per cent less wages and, one day, she found herself looking at an empty fridge. It took a lot for her to ask Caritas for help. Her case is representative of thousands and shows that firm action at the political level is needed to combat poverty. The pandemic exposes structural problems The fact that many people have run into difficulties is not just because of the coronavirus crisis, but it did exacerbate existing problems. Those who had previously just about managed to make ends meet quickly encountered hardship due to a loss of income. The figures published by the federal government in October 2021 give a clear picture: 11.3 per cent of the population saw their income drop. For people who were on the lowest incomes even before the crisis, living conditions worsened.

Inequalities are widening Conversely, many well-off households were able to increase their savings during the same period. Various investigations come to the conclusion that the coronavirus crisis has widened socio-economic inequality in Switzerland. Marília was lucky and found another job after a few months. But many people don’t get back on their feet that quickly. The question is: Why are so many people in our wealthy Switzerland affected by or at risk of poverty? Poverty is not an individual problem but rather a consequence of unfavourable social, political and economic conditions. In order to prevent and combat poverty, the structural causes must be removed. Are the figures deceptive? The number of social security recipients in 2020 has remained stable at 3.2 per cent. According to the Federal Office of Statistics, the higher unemployment level and the economic downturn had little impact on social assistance. This is due to the measures taken by the federal government and the cantons to cushion the economic effects of the pandemic. Caritas fears, however, that the real effects will only be felt later, when the support measures from the federal government, cantons and municipalities run out. ‘So-

Picture right: Marilia had lost her job in the watch industry immediately after the start of the pandemic. She had to ask Caritas for help in order to survive.

Activities in Switzerland

Caritas devoted a total of

19 m

Swiss francs to help people who have suffered hardship due to coronavirus. 9.85 million francs came from Swiss Solidarity.

When Marília works on her Kanzachi flowers she feels calm: the handicraft acts like an antidepressant.

cial assistance can only be claimed by people who have used up all their assets’ says Aline Masé, Head Social Policy Unit at Caritas Switzerland. According to a study by Avenir Suisse, around 120,000 jobs were saved through the huge expansion of short-time working. Without this tool, the unemployment rate in 2020 would

In its appeal for a Switzerland without poverty, Caritas calls for decisive action from politicians and business. probably have increased to well above 5 per cent (instead of 3.3 per cent or even only 2.5 per cent in November 2021). ‘Whether job losses have indeed been prevented or merely been postponed will be seen in the coming years’, says Aline Masé. 19 million Swiss francs of direct aid In 2020 and 2021, Caritas Switzerland and the 16 Regional Caritas Organisations were able to give one-off interim aid in the form of direct payments to around 22,000 people. The aid is supplementary. In total, the emergency aid

amounted to 10 million Swiss francs. More than 13,500 people received counselling or were referred to other offices, and more than 100,000 people benefitted from 70 targeted projects at the regional level. The total aid provided by Caritas amounted to 19 million Swiss francs, which includes contributions from Swiss Solidarity of 9.85 million francs. Two new Caritas Markets in Renens and Fribourg The Caritas Markets were also able to alleviate hardship. In 2021, the products of the 21 Caritas Markets were very popular. Demand for milk, oil and rice as well as fruit and vegetables soared. Shopping vouchers to the value of 660,000 Swiss francs were handed out. At the end of April, Caritas Vaud opened another market in Renens, and on 1 September the first Caritas Market in Fribourg opened its doors. The Caritas Markets achieved a record turnover of 13.25 million Swiss francs in 2021. ‘However, our goal is not to increase turnover but rather to meet the increased demand for lowpriced food products and everyday necessities’, says the manager of the Cooperative Caritas Markets, Thomas Künzler.

and thus counteract isolation. This opens up professional opportunities and training options to people affected by poverty. And it allows older people in particular to get more involved in social life. You can find the ‘Appeal for a Switzerland without poverty’ here: caritas.ch/appell

Appeal for a Switzerland without poverty The pandemic has shown that there is structural poverty in Switzerland. For this reason, Caritas Switzerland launched an ‘Appeal for a Switzerland without poverty’ in December and called for decisive action in six areas. • Dignified work: There is a need for a living wage and working models, family-friendly working hours and social security for all people in Switzerland. • Equal education opportunities: Access to catch-up training, further training and retraining must be guaranteed for all.

•A barrier-free health system: The burden of health insurance premiums must be limited to 8 per cent of a household’s taxable income. This corresponds to the target set by the Federal Council for the revision of health insurance in 1991. • Guaranteed subsistence minimum: There is a need for livelihood security at the level of supplementary benefits for all people whose income is not enough to live on. The legal linking of residence status and livelihood security must be removed. • Affordable housing: Cantons and municipalities must provide sufficient affordable housing.

• Equal opportunities for all families and children: There needs to be a seamless supply of good quality, accessible and affordable childcare supplementary to Würdige familiesArbeit: and schools. mit existenzsichernden Löhnen und Arbeitsmodellen, familienfreundlichen Arbeitszeiten und sozialer Sicherheit Dignified

Gleiche Bildungschancen: Ein schrankenloser Zugang zu Nachholbildungen, Weiterbildungen und Umschulungen. Equal education

work

opportunities

Only at 0 % poverty are we 100 % Switzerland

Bezahlbarer Wohnraum: Das Bereitstellen Affordable von preisgünstigem Wohnraum und housing Unterstützungsangebote für die Wohnungssuche für Haushalte mit tiefen Einkommen.

Livelihood security

Existenzsicherung: Ergänzungsleistungen für alle Menschen, deren Einkommen nicht für den Lebensunterhalt reicht, sowie die Abschaffung der rechtlichen Verknüpfung von Aufenthaltsstatus und

Gleiche Möglichkeiten Equal für Familien: opportunities Ein lückenloses, qualitativ gutes und for families bezahlbares Angebot an familienergänzender Kinderbetreuung

A barrier-free health system Ein barrierefreies Gesundheitssystem: Eine deutliche Reduktion der Belastung durch Krankenkassenprämien für Haushalte mit tiefen Einkommen und die Sicherstellung einer gleichwertigen Gesundheitsversorgung.

24 25 Activities in Switzerland

Digital participation Along with the pandemic, digitisation is also a development that increases poverty. Anyone who is not computer-savvy today quickly falls behind. Often, people experiencing or at risk of poverty have no digital skills at all. Caritas helps these people to improve these skills. The Caritas projects in the field of ‘digital participation’ can improve different areas of people’s lives

Female poverty Despite gender equality in law, women face a higher risk of poverty. This is not coincidental but systemic. The 2022 Social Almanac on the subject of ‘Female Poverty’ analyses how effective the gender equality measures really are. The coronavirus crisis has shown that women have to bear the heaviest burdens. Care work is still considered ‘typically female’ and is either unpaid at all or else very poorly paid. Children are seen largely as a private matter in Switzerland, which makes combining family and a job more difficult and increases the risk of poverty. Social insurance is still geared to the traditional male employment biography. Due to this, women are significantly worse off financially in old age than men. Almost every second woman does not even have an occupational pension plan. The 2022 Social Almanac analyses the different problem areas and points out solutions. shop.caritas.ch

Mountain Farm Action: more than 1,200 volunteers

In 2021, mountain farming families received support from more than 1,200 volunteer helpers. This despite the bad weather conditions and the pandemic. Farming families in the mountains have been able to count on help from Mountain Action for 40 years. In emergency situations and in the busy summer months, we organise motivated volunteers who make hay, put up fences, do the milking or help in the household. We offer one-day team events on mountain farms for companies – an unforgettable team building experience. bergeinsatz.ch

More than 120,000 people have a Culture Pass

In 2021, the number of Culture Pass users exceeded 120,000. The pass enables people on a tight budget to access social and cultural life. They get up to 70 per cent discount for more than 3,600 offers across Switzerland. Cultural and social life in the second year of the pandemic

was restricted for several months. This also affected the Culture Pass users. Despite this, their number has continued to grow. With its expansion across the whole canton of Grisons in July 2021, the Culture Pass took a further step towards national coverage. During the pandemic, many people were keen to learn something new. Here too, the Culture Pass supports various offers. ‘Experiencing more together’ is a new service that was launched in the regions of Bern, Central Switzerland and Basel. Volunteers accompany users of the Culture Pass to a concert or a visit to a museum.

Prix Caritas for climate justice

In 2021, the Prix Caritas was awarded to the internationally known Swiss climate scientist Thomas Stocker. He has been concerned with climate change for 30 years. Thomas Stocker is a researcher and Professor of Climate and Environmental Physics at the University of Bern and has led Working Group 1 of the Intergov-

ernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for seven years. During this time, the Fifth Assessment Report was produced, which forms the scientific basis of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Thomas Stocker was among the first to point to the impact of the climate crisis on the Global South. The poorest countries, which contribute the least to climate change, are most affected. Only the combination of consistent climate protection – the replacement of fossil energy sources – and adaptation to climate change can prevent the negative development and the greatest damage. For Thomas Stocker, the responsibility of ensuring climate justice for the affected people in the Global South lies with the industrialised countries. caritas.ch/prixcaritas

New protective structures for Bondo In September, extensive reconstruction work started in Bondo, which will offer its inhabitants increased security in the long term: In the coming years, dams, bridges and protective walls against flood water will be built. A retention basin for debris will also be enlarged. The total cost of the ‘Bondo II’ project amounts to 42 million Swiss francs and is financed by the federal government, the canton, the municipality and contributions from the aid organisations and Swiss Solidarity. After the landslide and the huge debris flows of August 2017, aid organisations and the municipality of Bregaglia received 14 million Swiss francs in donations. 2.9 million have so far been paid to private individuals, associations, trades and the municipality. The remaining funds – an estimated 13 million Swiss francs – will be used to cover the remaining costs of ‘Bondo II’. The municipality is delighted that Caritas will be providing one million francs over the next few years.

Activities in Switzerland

Work in the network Cooperation with the Regional Caritas Organisations

Digital cafés in the Jura Learning to use digital devices in convivial company: Since 2021, Caritas Jura has offered ‘digital cafés’ for anyone who does not always feel comfortable with their smartphone or computer. In these workshops, participants learn, for example, how to use the Swiss Railways (SBB) app, Google Maps or Facebook. The goal of this free service is to reduce the digital divide in our society, which has become wider as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as much as possible.

Basel Aargau Jura

Solothurn Lucerne

Neuchatel Bern

Fribourg

Vaud

Geneva

Valais

Supporting refugees digitally in Neuchatel Caritas Neuchâtel started a project in 2021 designed to promote the integration of refugees through the use of digital services. The aim of the APPliqués workshops is to support the participants in using useful applications on the mobile phone in their daily life. In particular, it should enable them to better organise the many different official deadlines they have to meet in a more independent way.

Zurich

St. GallenAppenzell

Grisons

Learning digital skills We all learned the basic skills of reading, writing and maths at school. But today, digital skills are also necessary skills. Being unable to use a computer, a laptop or a mobile phone means being excluded from society. Many public offices and businesses can only be reached online. Train tickets are bought with an app, travel is cheaper online. Most people pay their bills online to avoid fees. And if someone does not apply for a job online their chances are low from the start. So it is essential to master a range of programmes on different devices. However, according to the Federal Statistical Office, around 20 per cent of the Swiss population only have minimal or no skills in this field. People experiencing poverty and people with a poor education are particularly affected. They are at risk of being gradually left behind both professionally and in the private sphere. Learning digital skills with Caritas For this reason, Caritas Switzerland has set up the project ‘digital participation’ with the generous support of Sunrise. People can simply turn up with their devices without making an appointment and are helped by volunteers. They learn how to deal with ordinary daily tasks themselves and gain more self-confidence. They become part of society again. Not least, their social life improves because they find it easier to stay in touch with people via email, WhatsApp or Skype. The digi-meetings already take place in the cantons of Aargau, Lucerne, Grisons, Solothurn as well as Neuchatel and Jura. Similar meetings will also take place from 2022 in the cantons of Bern and Vaud.

Ticino

Culture at favourable prices in the canton of Grisons Since July 2021, Caritas Grisons has made the Culture Pass available in the whole canton, whereas previously it could only be obtained in the Chur area. New partners are now being recruited. The start of 2021 was still a little slow, due to the pandemic. Many cultural venues were closed. But this is due to change in the future. Caritas Grisons was nevertheless able to record 25 per cent more users. They benefit from low-cost newspaper subscriptions for the cantonal media, museums and swimming pools. In future, there will be a wider range of offers in all the three language regions of the canton.

Figures for the Caritas Network 4,422 252,797 1,118 180

Volunteers Hours of voluntary work Employees Training places

28 29 Activities in Switzerland

Thurgau

Appropriate and affordable housing WohnFit is a new project of Caritas Zurich. It is a project for families, individuals and couples at risk of poverty who live in precarious circumstances or have difficulties in finding an affordable flat. Volunteers accompany these people when looking for somewhere to live and coach them in the application process. This is how Caritas Zurich promotes equal opportunities for disadvantaged people in the city of Zurich. Appropriate and affordable flats are an important basis for social and economic inclusion and are crucial to finding a way out of poverty.

Caritas in figures Sources of Caritas income

Private donations / income and public-sector contributions 10.0 % Own revenue

23.7 % Direct donations

5.6 % Other contributions / fed. gvt.

12.1 %

2.3 %

55.8 %

Swiss Solidarity

Private donations / private income

16.6 % Other organisations

2.9 % International Caritas network

44.2 % Public contributions

SDC

0.2 % Migration and Passport Office Liechtenstein

26.6 % Cantons and communes

Thanks to financing alliances with Swiss Solidarity, the federal government and other partner organisations in Switzerland and abroad, Caritas is able to quadruple the effect of each franc donated to it.

Allocation of income

Figures in conformity with Zewo guidelines

40.8 %

90.9 %

International cooperation

Projects

44.1 % Projects Switzerland

4.2 %

Administrative expenses

4.9 % Fundraising and marketing expenses

3.6 % Direct administrative project support

0.6 %

Basic research and other project contributions

4.9 % Fundraising and marketing

1.8 %

4.2 %

Information and communications

Administrative expenses

These figures were collected in accordance with the rules of Swiss GAAP FER 21 and the guidelines of the Zewo Foun dation for determining administrative expenses of non-profit organisations.

The detailed financial report is available on our Website at: caritas.ch/annual-report

Balance sheet as at 31 December 2020

2021

2020

Assets

CHF

Cash

36,126,035

38,376,270

Short-term assets with stock market price

40,330,047

34,769,349

Receivables

18,501,412

10,916,525

Inventories

160,572

140,272

Prepayments and accrued income

426,388

1,858,249

Fixed assets

20,951,616

22,211,772

Total assets

116,496,070

108,272,437

CHF

Caritas in figures

Short-term liabilities

12,108,452

5,261,409

Long-term liabilities

3,823,188

4,027,928

Fund capital (restricted funds)

78,860,265

78,590,314

Organisation capital

21,704,165

20,392,786

116,496,070

108,272,437

2021

2020

CHF

Donations

28,401,851

34,000,266

Contributions from third parties

26,458,721

33,384,416

Total income from donations and private contributions

54,860,572

67,384,682

Contributions from public authorities

53,064,512

54,642,837

Net sales from goods and services

12,083,716

11,852,831

Total operating income

120,008,800

133,880,350

International cooperation

49,334,451

46,381,043

Projects Switzerland

53,432,799

59,808,781

777,250

838,448

Information and communication (publishing and education)

2,218,818

2,362,874

Direct administrative project support (evaluation, IT, rents etc.)

4,277,186

4,336,888

110,040,504

113,728,034

Fundraising and marketing expenses

5,967,498

5,824,958

Administrative expenses

5,046,614

5,345,108

11,014,112

11,170,066

121,054,616

124,898,100

–1,045,816

8,982,250

2,625,926

1,363,185

107,355

Annual result before fund and capital movements

1,580,110

10,452,790

Change in fund capital (– = increase / + = decrease)

– 268,731

–10,453,129

Annual result before capital movements

1,311,379

– 339

Liabilities

Total liabilities and equity

Statement of operations 2020 Operating income and operating performance

Research and policy and other project contributions

Total project expenses

Total fundraising, marketing and administrative expenses Total operating expenses Operating result (corresponds to EBIT) Financial and extraordinary result Financial income (before change in value fluctuation fund) Extraordinary or one-off income or income for other accounting periods

Boards

Mariangela Wallimann-Bornatico

Claudius Luterbacher

Gisèle Girgis-Musy

Robert Moser

Gülcan Akkaya

Steering Committee Steering Board President: Mariangela Wallimann-Bornatico, lic. iur., former General Secretary of the Federal Assembly, Wabern BE (until 31 May 2021) Claudius Luterbacher, Dr. theol., Chancellor and economist of the diocese of St. Gallen, St. Gallen (from 1 June 2021) Vice President: Robert Moser, Deacon, Steg VS Jean-Noël Maillard, Director Caritas Jura, Delémont Mario Slongo, Dr. Dr. hc. Chemist / Meteorologist, Tafers FR Gisèle Girgis-Musy, lic. oec., Leutwil AG Gülcan Akkaya, Dr. polit., Lecturer and Project Manager Lucerne University – Social work, Lucerne (from 1 June 2021) Monika Maire-Hefti, qualified nurse, former member of the Cantonal council Neuchatel, Les Ponts-de-Martel NE (from 1 June 2021) Erwin Tanner, Dr. iur./lic. theol., General Secretary Swiss Conference of Catholic Bishops (SBK), Fribourg (until 31 October 2021)

Jean-Noël Maillard

Monika Maire-Hefti

Mario Slongo

Erwin Tanner

Additional Steering Committee Members Michaela Zurfluh, lic. theol. I, Pastoral carer for parishioners, Pastoral region Kriens LU, Ebikon LU (from 1 June 2021) // Jean-Claude Huot, lic. ès. lettres, Cossonay VD // Marco Fantoni, Director Caritas Ticino, Pregassona (Lugano) // Bruno Gut-Fuchs, Deacon, church leader parish St. Verena, Stäfa ZH // P. Alois Kurmann, lic. theol., former Vice-rector Monastery Einsiedeln, Einsiedeln SZ // Alexandre Antonin, lic. sciences politiques, MBA, Director Caritas Valais, Sion VS // Fabienne Notter, Director Caritas Aargau and Caritas Solothurn, Solothurn // Matthias Jungo, Director Caritas Bern, Bern (from 1 June 2021) // Roland Loos, Dipl. Electronics Engineer ETH Lausanne, Yverdon-les-Bains VD // Iris Utz-Huwiler, President and Manager of Accordeos Foundation, Meggen L U // Monika Otter, MAS Ethics FHNW, Freienbach SZ // Sabrina CorviniMohn, President Caritas both Basel cantons, Allschwil BL // Dr. Benno Schnüriger, former President Synodical Council Roman-Cath. Body Canton ZH, Zürich // Dr. Hans-Jörg Ruppen, Mathematician ETH, Dr. ès sciences and Titular as well as Honorary Professor EPFL Lausanne, Gampel VS // Markus Schmid, former Human Resources Manager and Organisation Consultant, Lucerne

Boards

Peter Marbet

Franziska Koller

Elisabeth Karagiannis

Marianne Hochuli

Chantal Cornaz

Head Office Caritas Switzerland Executive Board Director: Peter Marbet, lic. phil. (until 16 August 2021) Finance and Administration, Deputy Director: Hans Krummenacher, Business Economist, cert. Public Accountant International Cooperation: Dr. Franziska Koller Research and Policy: Marianne Hochuli, lic. phil. Projects Switzerland: Bruno Bertschy, Association Manager VMI Communication and Marketing: Elisabeth Karagiannis, lic. phil. Human Resources: Chantal Cornaz, lic. phil.

About Caritas Switzerland Caritas Switzerland helps people in need in Switzerland and world-wide in around 20 countries. Together with the Regional Caritas Organisations, Caritas Switzerland provides practical help when people even in wealthy Switzerland are affected by poverty. Globally, Caritas provides emergency relief in disasters, helps with reconstruction, and is involved in development cooperation. Caritas Switzerland’s projects are all geared to sustainability. The organisation elaborates a sustainability strategy whose goal is climate neutrality by 2030. As a responsible employer, Caritas sets itself ecological, economic and social goals. Caritas is a member of the international Caritas network, which is represented in 165 countries throughout the world.

Bruno Bertschy

Hans Krummenacher

Andreas Lustenberger

Delegate of the Executive Board Andreas Lustenberger, MSc Geography, member of the Cantonal Church, Baar ZG Business Audit Committee President: Alois Bissig, Notary and Lawyer, Ennetbürgen NW Markus Köferli, dipl. theol., Head of special spiritual welfare Synodical Council Zurich, Zurich Kurt Grüter, former director Federal Audit Office, Bern Statutory Auditors BDO AG, Lucerne

At the end of 2021, Caritas Switzerland had 429 employees, corresponding to 337.49 full-time equivalent posts. 290 persons, or 63.4 per cent of employees are women, 63.4 per cent of all employees work part-time. The average age is 41.9. Around 32 per cent of all employees are based in French-speaking Switzerland. In addition, around 164 staff work on hourly pay, for example as interpreters or at Caritas Care in 24-hour care work. In addition, more than 285 locally employed staff work for Caritas Switzerland in the project countries.

Strong partnerships From business, politics and society

Companies

MARS Schweiz AG // Zürich Versicherungs-Gesellschaft AG // BRACK.CH AG //

ALDI SUISSE AG // Bank Julius Bär // Barclays Bank (Suisse) SA // BDO AG // Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund // NIKIN AG // Orell Füssli Thalia AG // Payot SA // Sunrise UPC GmbH // Swissquote Bank SA // Yuh AG // thinkQ2 AG // TWINT AG // Mofakult AG // BERING AG // Leucom Stafag AG

Foundations Glückskette // Christa Foundation // ESPERANZA kooperative Hilfe gegen Armut // Ernst Göhner Stiftung // Fonds Isidore, hébergé par Swiss Philanthropy Foundation // Fondation

Philanthropique Famille Sandoz // Leopold Bachmann Stiftung // MIHI Foundation // Rütli-Stiftung // SV-Stiftung // Ursula Zindel-Hilti Stiftung // Medicor Foundation // St. Anna Stiftung der St. Anna Schwestern // Stiftung Mercator Schweiz // Stiftung Sonnenschein // Stiftung Wegweiser

Federal

government Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) // Federal Office of Public

Health // State Secretariat for Migration // Federal Office of Culture // Federal Office of Justice

Cantons, cities, municipalities CCanton de Fribourg // République et Canton de Genève // Canton du Valais // Lotteriefonds des Kantons Zürich // Société de la Loterie de la Suisse Romande // Kanton Luzern // Stadt Zürich // Stadt Luzern // Stadt Uster // Gemeinde St. Moritz // Gemeinde Düdingen // Ville de Meyrin

Universities

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz // Berner Fach-

hochschule für Agrar-, Forst- und Lebensmittelwissenschaften (HAFL) // ETH Zürich, Zentrum für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (NADEL) // Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut //

Pädagogische Hochschule Zug, Institut für Internationale Zusammenarbeit in Bildungsfragen Church

institutions Association Fraternelle Romande // Benediktinerkloster Mariastein // Communauté des Religieuses Trinitaires // Röm.-kath. Gesamtkirchgemeinde Bern und Umgebung // Katholische

Kirche im Kanton Zürich // Kloster Heiligkreuz // Röm.-kath. Landeskirche Basel-Landschaft // Kath. Kirchgemeinde Luzern // Röm.-kath. Kirche Basel-Stadt // Gemeinschaft Liebfrauenschwestern

Bilateral and multilateral donors Agence Française de Développement (AFD) // Amt für

Auswärtige Angelegenheiten Liechtenstein (AAA) // Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (EuropeAid) // European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) // European Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) // United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) // Hochkommissariat für Flüchtlinge der Uno (UNHCR) // U.S. Department of State (USDOS) // Caritas Österreich // Caritas France // Caritas Liechtenstein // Caritas Luxembourg // Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) // Cordaid // Austrian Development Agency (ADA)

These are the partners that make our work on behalf of disadvantaged people possible. Our warmest thanks!

“ With the aim of strengthening the

population’s resilience, Caritas is implementing an EU flagship project in Chad – the project DIZA South. It is an example of the successful implementation of the nexus approach ‘Humanitarianism – Development – Peace’. For the EU it is important to cooperate with partners who are experienced, innovative and are established locally.”

“ youngCaritass is a good contact

partner for young projects. At the youngCaritas Award, I had the unique opportunity to exchange new ideas with like-minded people. It motivated me a lot. ” Shathusan Thurairajah Participant in the youngCaritas Award

“ The restrictions imposed by the

coronavirus pandemic hit socially disadvantaged people particularly hard in our country. Quick and unbureaucratic help is important in such emergencies. We are grateful that this is exactly what Caritas Switzerland offers our fellow citizens. ”

Philipp Rickenbacher CEO Julius Bär

Bernhard Rehrl Managing Director Mars Schweiz AG

“ As a reliable partner,

we are pleased to support Caritas’ Bon Lieu restaurants with Ben’s Original. Disadvantaged people should feel included and welcome. It could be with a good meal, or with the first steps back into the world of work. ”

Imprint Cover picture: John Kalapo, Lake Wegnia, Mali Editors: Lisa Fry, Stefan Gribi, Vérène Morisod Simonazzi, Fabrice Boulé, Elisabeth Karagiannis Pictures: Kreshnik Basha, Fabian Biasio, Caritas Switzerland, Lassine Coulibaly, Matias Delacroix/Keystone, Daniel Dioszeghy/DioStudio, Ghislaine Heger, Nicolas Honore, John Kalapo, Priska Ketterer, Abdullo Media, Yesica Morais, Pixabay, Thomas Plain, Pamela Stathakis, Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters Translation:

Barbara König, bmp translations AG

Graphic Design: Evelyne Bieri Climate-neutral printing

Caritas Schweiz Communication and Marketing Adligenswilerstrasse 15 P.O. Box CH-6002 Lucerne Telephone: +41 41 419 22 22 E-mail: info@caritas.ch IBAN: CH69 0900 0000 6000 7000 4 You can find detailed information about current projects on Caritas Switzerland’s website www.caritas.ch

34 35 Strong partnerships

Ylenia Rosso Head of the Food Security Programme Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Chad

Doing the right thing

Caritas Switzerland Adligenswilerstrasse 15 P. O. Box CH-6002 Lucerne

Telephone: +41 41 419 22 22 E-mail: info@caritas.ch

Website: www.caritas.ch IBAN: CH69 0900 0000 6000 7000 4

Quality management system ISO 9001, Reg. no.14075 NPO-Label, Reg. no. 22116