Since its foundation in 1901, Caritas Switzerland has been consistently committed to prevent, fight, and alleviate global poverty. As one of Switzerland’s largest and most recognized aid organizations, it supports people regardless of political or religious beliefs, gender, or origin. Caritas is a politically and denominationally independent aid organisation, working in around 20 countries worldwide.
In its work, Caritas Switzerland combines development measures with interventions of humanitarian relief and supports and protects basic human rights. Projects include employment and vocational education, climate adaptation, disaster relief, and support for migrants through protection and access to their rights.
To reach its goals and drive sustainable change, it is crucial for Caritas Switzerland to collaborate with private sector partners and co-design solutions that align expertise with the needs and aspirations of local communities.
Our activities in Brazil
In Brazil, Caritas Switzerland has been active since 1987, and an office was established in Recife in 2015.
In 2025, Caritas supported the indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon region after it was hit by one of the worst droughts in recent history. The organization provided the river-side communities with most urgently needed goods such as filters for clean drinking water, medicines and dietary supplements for children. Additionally, we supported the municipalities to better prepare for future water and climate-related emergencies, which fosters the Human Right to Adequate Living Standard.
Furthermore, Caritas implemented a regional humanitarian and protection program safeguarding individuals along the migration route in Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Migrants received food assistance; cash transfers to cover their most urgent needs; information about risks and their rights; or a safe place to stay in shelters. With all of these activities, Caritas supports the Human Rights of Social Security and Right to Life, Liberty, and Personal Security.
Lastly, Caritas Switzerland focused on strengthening the self-reliance of Venezuelan migrants and vulnerable Brazilians. The project supported people in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa in Paraíba and in the municipality of Igarassu, in Pernambuco. It promoted the effective exercise of human rights, strengthening the capacities of participants as subjects of rights and promoting their autonomy, dignity, as well as social inclusion. Asset transfers promoted the right to an adequate standard of living and to work; trainings strengthened the right to education and capacity building; support networks fostered participation, social integration, and coexistence between host communities and the migrant population; and psychosocial support, together with institutional referrals, guaranteed access to basic rights and comprehensive protection.
Caritas Switzerland sees the private sector as a key strategic ally in scaling up, innovating, and ensuring the sustainability of its actions in Brazil, creating opportunities for cooperation that combine social impact, corporate responsibility, and inclusive economic development.
Contact details
Caritas Suíça (Brazil)
Av. Agamenon Magalhães, 2.864, sala 1.401
50020-000 Recife – PE
Tel
E-mail
www.caritas.ch
Instagram: @caritas.schweiz
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/caritas-schweiz
YouTube: @CaritasSchweiz