As an independent international human rights organization, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) stands by minorities and indigenous peoples. The STP has advisory status at both the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and at the Council of Europe.
Portrait of the STP
STP Switzerland
The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) Switzerland was founded on 20 May 1989 by Göpf Berweger and Bernhard Pulver as an association based in Berne. The independent human rights organization has over 12,000 members. The first actions in our founding years concerned Tibet, Penan/Malaysia, Yanomami/Brazil, Papua/Indonesia and the Yenish/Switzerland. In the 1990s, the wars in ex-Yugoslavia were the focus, as were the conflicts in Palestine, Afghanistan and Sudan.
Today’s thematic focus is on the impact of the mining of raw materials on indigenous peoples and minorities, the restriction of their rights in different regions of the world and the fight against impunity.
STP international
STP Switzerland is a member of STP International, which also includes the STP country sections Germany, South Tyrol and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Through this network, the STP has access to international organizations such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the European Union.
- STP Germany
- STP Austria
- STP South Tirol
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
What we do
- We document human rights violations.
- We inform the public and raise their awareness of human rights issues.
- We draw attention to the violation of collective and individual human rights, and call for clarification, punishment and compensation in this regard.
- We support local efforts to strengthen the human rights of minorities and indigenous peoples.
- We protect the interests of those affected in dealings with the authorities and decision-makers, in cases where they cannot do so alone.
How we work
- The concerns of those affected by human rights violations are central to our work. We work together with these people as partners.
- We work nationally and internationally with organizations and people who share our values.
- Our staff identify with the values and goals of our organization.
- We use our resources carefully, purposefully and efficiently.
- Our work is funded by our members.