HEKS/EPER was founded in 1946 by the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches (FSPC) as the aid organization of the Protestant Churches in Switzerland committed to the dignity of every human being. This respect for human dignity finds expression in the universal human rights. All human beings should be able to lead a life in dignity and in social, economic and political security based on fundamental Christian values such as justice, self-determination, respect, solidarity, responsibility, and participation.