SRG and Swiss Solidarity organize solidarity action for children in crisis situations

Worldwide, millions of children suffer from violence, exploitation, conflicts, and neglect - including in Switzerland. Every sixth child today lives in a conflict zone, every second is in crisis situations without access to education, and every fifth has to work to support their family. In Switzerland, it is estimated that 30,000 to 50,000 children are cared for each year due to abuse or neglect; almost every fifth child experiences regular psychological violence.

To highlight this situation and mobilize support, Swiss Solidarity, with the support of SRG, is launching the solidarity week for children in crisis situations at home and abroad from December 15 to 20. The highlight is the national solidarity day on December 18. During this week, SRG broadcasters will report in-depth on the situation of affected children and call for donations. All funds collected during the solidarity week will be fully directed to the projects of Swiss Solidarity's partner organizations: In Switzerland, they support shelters for women and children, psychological support, and prevention services; abroad, they benefit projects in the Middle East, Latin America, the Sahel region, and South Asia - for education, protection from exploitation, and safe spaces for children.

All language regions are participating. During this week, children in crisis situations at home and abroad are the focus of SRG reporting. RTS accompanies the campaign with 'Coeur à Coeur' from December 13 to 19 and is on the road in its 10th edition with a mobile studio at seven locations in western Switzerland, including Sion, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and Biel/Bienne.

SRF 3 is also on the move with the 'Gib es Härz' campaign with a mobile studio, broadcasting from Bern and Lucerne from December 17 to 20. Highlights of the live broadcasts are several concerts by Swiss musicians, including several 'SRF 3 Best Talents'. On the national solidarity day, Radio SRF 1 continuously reports from the call center, while formats such as 'Tagesschau', '10vor10', and 'Schweiz Aktuell' examine the situation of affected children from different perspectives. The week concludes with the program 'Happy Day', which also takes up the topic and announces the final donation tally. RSI, RTR, and SWI swissinfo.ch also devote their own contributions to child protection in Switzerland and internationally, setting additional accents on the solidarity day.

Swiss Solidarity and SRG share a long common history: For over 30 years, the foundation was part of SRG before becoming independent in 1983. Today, Swiss Solidarity collects money for people in need and supports projects from 26 accredited Swiss partner organizations in crisis regions worldwide as well as various institutions in Switzerland. During the solidarity action, SRF, RTS, RSI, and RTR radio and television stations dedicate a large part of their broadcasting time to Swiss Solidarity's activities. They report on the campaign, call for solidarity, accompany the collection centers, and continuously inform about the donation status. More information about Swiss Solidarity can be found in the article 'Glückskette: Motor der Solidarität und Vorbild für wirksame Spendenaktionen'.

Press Contact:
SRG SSR Media Office
Nik Leuenberger
medienstelle.srg@srgssr.ch / Tel. 058 136 21 21

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