Organisation

For nearly 60 years, Public Eye has offered a critical analysis of the impact that Switzerland, and its companies, has on poorer countries.

Public Eye was founded in 1968 based on  the Berne Declaration  manifesto. The association is currently supported by some 29,000 members. The responsibilities of the general assembly and the Governing Board are laid down in the organisation's statutes. Public Eye has two secretariats, in Lausanne and Zurich, that jointly deal with members and donations in Italian-speaking Switzerland.

The General Assembly is Public Eye's ruling body. The Governing Board is the body that decides Public Eye's strategy. The members of the Governing Board are experts in the different fields that the organisation works in.

A national directorate of four people run the organisation operationally.

In addition to the teams in our Lausanne and Zurich offices, which have around 40 members of staff, numerous volunteers help out within the organisation. Nine regional volunteer groups support Public Eye's objectives and play an important role in raising awareness. In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, a group of volunteers organise school visits in order to raise awareness amongst youngsters about the areas that Public Eye works on. The French-speaking secretariat currently responds to requests from schools subject to availability. Finally, occasionally volunteers also help out with administrative tasks in our offices.

Von der Erklärung von Bern zu Public Eye

In 1968, the 10,000 signatories to the Berne Declaration manifesto called for Switzerland to show some solidarity. The declaration laid the foundations for Switzerland’s first development organisation, which is now known as Public Eye. Right up to today, we are working for a Switzerland of solidarity and more global justice, fighting against injustices that originate in Switzerland.
Our history from the Berne Declaration to Public Eye
© Public Eye

Our vision

We are convinced that it is possible to make the world fairer and more sustainable. To make it a world where all humans can live in dignity. A world where environmental limits are respected, and where the environment is preserved for the generations to come. A world free from discrimination; a peaceful and democratic world. A world in which the economy exists to serve people by guaranteeing fair working conditions and equitable salaries.

Public Eye - Focus on Global Justice
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