Terre des Hommes Movement

Terre des Hommes Suisse is part of the Terre des Hommes movement founded by Edmond Kaiser in 1960 to help children in need. Edmond Kaiser sought to mobilise people of good will in defence of children’s rights. Thus, groups of volunteers were organised in French and German-speaking Switzerland to host children or take direct action in the field.

Over the years, several associations were born from this impulse.

At the international level, in Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands or Luxembourg, Terre des Hommes organisations were created. The members of the movement are today grouped together in the International Federation of Terre des Hommes, whose headquarters are in Geneva.

In Switzerland, four organisations work for the respect of children’s rights under the umbrella of Terre des Hommes:

– Terre des Hommes Suisse, which is made up of two sections : one in Geneva and the other in Basel. 

– The Terre des Hommes Foundation – child relief, based in Lausanne

– The Maison d’accueil of Massongex / TdH Valais

While each organisation is independent, each brings specific capacities to fulfil the common mission of defending children’s rights.

Terre des Hommes suisse / schweiz

Terre des Hommes Suisse is composed of a French-speaking section (Terre des Hommes Suisse) and a German-speaking section (terre des hommes schweiz).

Both sections are of the same size and follow the same philosophy of promoting children’s rights, particularly through partnerships with local associations and by supporting children and young people who are recognised as actors of change.

Both are active here and there, in Switzerland and internationally. The two sections even work together on advocacy and awareness-raising for children’s rights in Switzerland and set up joint programs in countries such as Brazil or Colombia.