A Key Tool for Protecting and Promoting Human Rights

In an increasingly divergent world, 193 states have one thing in common: They’re all subject to the same review process of their human rights record. 

Helvetas is committed to providing fair opportunities worldwide – through access to clean water, education and raising citizens' voices.

Million people were supported in 2024

Project countries in Africa, Asia, South America and Eastern Europe

Projects implemented in 2024

 

Featured stories 

2024 Annual Report

Learn more about the work we're doing alongside 1,500 local partners to secure basic needs, create new prospects, and empower people to claim their rights.

Systemic Responses to Crisis-Affected Education

When emergencies hit, education systems are often among the first to falter. How can we support systems so that education doesn't stop when crises begin?

Report: Partnership and Locally Led Development

Insights on partnership principles, key elements of localization, building on current practices, and where opportunities lie to continue shifting power and roles.

Helvetas works.

This is what we achieved in 2024 thanks to your support.

1,071,965

In 2024, women and men gained sustainable access to water, sanitation and good hygiene. Together with Helvetas, they have installed solar-powered wells and latrines and learned important hygiene rules.

706,292

In 2024, women and men gained sustainable access to better nutrition or natural resources and benefited from improved harvests. 

207,714

Women and men benefited from climate resilience in 2024. Together with Helvetas, they have installed solar-powered wells and latrines and learned climate-relevant farming methods.

987,469

In 2024, women and men benefited from new infrastructure such as roads and bridges, giving them access to economic opportunities and public services.

108,245

With the support of Helvetas, children and young people gained access to education in 2024. Helvetas focuses on the training of teachers and promotes modern teaching methods.

46,039

In 2024, young, mostly disadvantaged women and men gained access to vocational training, found a job or started their own business with Helvetas' support.

354,451

With Helvetas' support, people have benefited from better income and employment. At the same time, 9,859 SMEs have gained better access to markets, created jobs for disadvantaged people and developed sustainable products or better services.

147,894

With the support of Helvetas, women and men have learned in 2024 to demand their right to basic public services and to participate in political decision-making processes.

12,248

Women and men learned tactics to resolve conflicts with the support of Helvetas in 2024. Helvetas promotes understanding and acceptance and is committed to a constructive approach to the causes of conflicts. 

799,986

Women and men were supported by Helvetas, authorities and partner organizations in 2024 to plan their labor migration safely, responsibly and profitably.

426,722

People in need were supported by Helvetas in 2024 with life-saving aid, shelter and agricultural inputs. In total, Helvetas provided 1,078,332 people in disaster, crisis and conflict areas with access to water, sanitation, education and retraining.

 

How we alleviate poverty and advance human rights

About us

Helvetas is an independent Swiss development organization that is building capacity in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. We bring about real change in the lives of almost five million disadvantaged people every year. We implement development projects in the areas of water, food and climate, education, jobs and private sector development, governance, gender and social equity. Helvetas also provides emergency response after disasters. In Switzerland we promote solidarity in spirit and in action and take part in the ongoing developmental policy dialogue.

Learn more about our strategy