The Society for Threatened Peoples is now called ‘Voices’

As of today, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) has a new name: ‘Voices’. The new name makes the organisation’s core objective clear: to work together, so that the various voices calling for human rights are heard.

The Society for Threatened Peoples is now called Voices. “The new name represents our goal of ensuring that the various voices calling for human rights worldwide are heard,” says Anna Leissing, director of the organisation. “We use our position in Switzerland, and the responsibility placed on us, to help Indigenous communities and minoritised groups speak up for their rights. At the same time, Voices offers people in Switzerland an opportunity to campaign for human rights themselves.” So Voices takes action: Together. Loudly. For human rights.

The term ‘Voices’ is short and to the point, has a nice ring to it and can be used in all languages. Last but not least, this word ties in with existing terminology, as the members’ magazine was already called ‘Voice’. The new logo, with its red colouring and distinctive ‘V’, also continues what has gone before.

Over 35 years of commitment to human rights

The previous name, ‘Society for Threatened Peoples’ had been the subject of internal debate for years. Partner organisations also criticised it: The name was long and needed an abbreviation, there were five different language versions, and the STP had long been speaking of ‘communities’ rather than ‘peoples’. “Voices wants to focus on the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities and minoritised groups,” explains Anna Leissing. “The term ‘threatened’ doesn’t adequately reflect that.”  For all these reasons, a new name was proposed to the members’ assembly in May and a corresponding amendment to the articles of association was adopted. “We are pleased that our members support this important change and we thank them for their tremendous support, without which, our work would be impossible,” emphasises Anna Leissing.

Indigenous communities and minoritised groups are still among the most disadvantaged population groups in the world today. Voices has been drawing attention to their rights for over 35 years: It works with partner organisations both nationally and internationally, and conducts programmes, campaigns and projects in Switzerland and abroad. It keeps the Swiss public informed, and maintains contact with civil society, the business world, authorities and politicians.