Who are we ?

Aim :

The International Movement for Fraternal Union among Races and Peoples (UFER) is a federation of organizations and persons involved in the promotion of understanding, dialogue and cooperation among races, peoples, cultural and ethnical groups, in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Origin :

In 1951, representatives of 17 lay missionary organizations decided to create a non-confessional movement to make their views known within the organizations of the United Nations system. The headquarters was established in Fribourg, Switzerland. The organization was granted consultative status with UNESCO in 1952 and with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in 1953.

Present status :

Non-profit-making international association under Belgian law (AISBL), with headquarters in Brussels.

Financing :

UFER relies entirely on the voluntary work and contributions of its members to perform its work. The organization does not finance projects or hire people.

The members :

UFER comprises two founding members, the Intercultural Association (AFI/ICA) and the Grail, as well as individual members in about thirty countries on five continents.

Board of Directors :

From left to right : Paul Beersmans, Marielle Peltier (Treasurer), Alfred Sawadogo, C.M. Eya Nchama (Vice-President), Raymonde Martineau (Secretary-General), Lee Kum-Yeon, Elly Koenig (President) Upper right : Monica Maher / Lower right : Joy Garland