Notes from the Federal Palace AMANDINE MADZIEL Today, there are numerous associations and organisations around the world, known as “Swiss charitable organisations”, “Swiss philanthropic associations” or “Swiss fraternal benefit societies”, that are dedicated to the Swiss Abroad. Switzerland’s long history of emigration Swiss charitable organisations arose to meet the need for connections and support in the wake of a major emigration movement in the 18th and 19th centuries. At that time, the harshness of rural life, the scourge of poverty and the general deprivation drove many Swiss citizens to leave in search of a brighter future. Many families chose to cross the Atlantic and set up home in the US, Canada, Argentina and Brazil, amongst other places. The countries neighbouring Switzerland, Over 200 years of operations around the world For over 200 years, Swiss charitable organisations have been supporting their compatriots abroad. Previously born of necessity, they are now living networks of solidarity, cultural preservation and mutual assistance throughout the world. such as France and Germany, were also popular destinations. This migration saw associations spring up in the four corners of the globe. Many of these associations are still operating today, from Canada to the Philippines, via Latin America, Oceania and even Europe. They arose both in destination countries and in countries along the way, such as in large sea ports like Bordeaux and New York. 200 years at the service of the Swiss Some associations, such as the Swiss charitable organisations in Paris and Bordeaux, have celebrated 200 years in operation! The charitable organisation in Berlin is over 180 years old and that in Vienna is 160. These long-standing, structured communities have developed a profound humanitarian awareness. The chief motivation behind the fundamental work of Swiss charitable orA testimony to cultural vitality and the way Swiss values are passed down through the generations. The Swiss organisation Helvetia San Jerónimo Norte today – Argentina. Photo provided ganisations has often been to “support the needy Swiss” far from their native land. This way of reknitting the social fabric lost to emigration bears witness to the commitment made to help fellow citizens. The volunteer work performed supplemented the efforts made by the state to provide social rights for its citizens (and still supplements them), sometimes coordinating these efforts as well. The link provided by the associations mitigates the limits of the support that official aid from the state can offer and recreates, in an appropriate form, the network of acquaintances lost by people leaving their country of origin. The chief task of coming to the aid of Swiss without resources has changed considerably. Currently, the activities carried out by charitable organisations around the world are very diverse. 30 Swiss Review / April 2026 / No. 2
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