Association LAZARO RELOVA

Statutes

Constitution and Registered Office

Art. 1 Under the name LÁZARO RELOVA, a non-political, non-profit association is established in accordance with Articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code, hereinafter referred to as “the Association.” 1.1 It is governed by these statutes. The Swiss Civil Code shall apply on a subsidiary basis.

Art. 2 The registered office of the Association is located c/o Isabelle Hauri, chemin du Pré-Colomb 7, 1290 Versoix. The mailing address is determined by the Committee.

Art. 3 The duration of the Association is indefinite.

Purpose of the Association

Art. 4 – Purpose of the Association For over 20 years, the Association’s mission has been to assist children and young adults in highly vulnerable situations, particularly those who are abandoned and/or living with disabilities. Its objectives are as follows:

  • To provide concrete international aid in countries where specific needs have been identified, particularly in Cuba and Ghana.
  • To provide partner institutions with medical equipment, medication, eyeglasses, corrective lenses, and other essential supplies.
  • To develop and manage sustainable projects, such as the future creation of a home for abandoned and disabled children in northern Ghana.
  • To provide these children with a caring, inclusive, affectionate, and educational environment conducive to their fulfillment and the realization of their potential.

Membership

Art. 5 Any natural person or legal entity who has been accepted by the Executive Committee and, for legal entities, ratified by the General Assembly, and who accepts these statutes, may become a member of the Association. 5.1 The Executive Committee maintains an up-to-date membership list. It may remove individuals who are more than two years behind in the payment of their membership fees. 5.2 The General Assembly may decide to suspend or withdraw the membership status of one or more natural persons or legal entities for just cause, notably if the person(s) concerned have caused prejudice to the Association. 5.3 Any member may withdraw from the Association at any time by notifying the Executive Committee of their decision in writing.

Organs and Procedure

Art. 6 The organs of the Association are: the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, and the Auditor(s).

Art. 7 The General Assembly is the supreme body of the Association. It brings together all members of the Association and makes important decisions. It is responsible notably for:

  • Electing the President, Secretary, Treasurer, members of the Executive Committee, and the Auditor(s).
  • Approving the accounts and activity reports for the past year.
  • Voting on the discharge of the Committee.
  • Voting on the discharge of the officers (Treasurer and Auditors).
  • Ratifying legal entities.
  • Amending the statutes.

Art. 8 The Ordinary General Assembly meets once a year, within the first quarter of the calendar year. 8.1 The General Assembly is convened by order of the Executive Committee. 8.2 Notices of meeting are sent by post at least 30 days before the date of the Assembly. 8.3 At the request of one-fifth of the Association’s members, who shall propose the agenda, an Extraordinary General Assembly may be convened at any time. 8.4 Any proposal to be submitted to the General Assembly must reach the Committee in writing at least 20 days in advance.

Art. 9 Each member has one vote. 9.1 Decisions of the General Assembly relating to the dissolution or amendment of the statutes are taken by a two-thirds majority. 9.2 Other decisions are taken by a simple majority. In the event of a tie, the President shall have the casting vote.

Art. 10 The administration of the Association is entrusted to the Executive Committee, which ensures the management of the Association’s assets and projects.

Art. 11 The Executive Committee consists of 3 to 9 members of the Association, including at least one President, one Treasurer, and one Secretary. The Executive Committee is re-elected at each Ordinary General Assembly.

Art. 12 The Executive Committee takes all decisions necessary for the proper functioning of the Association. It notably assumes the following responsibilities:

  • Taking all useful measures to achieve the corporate purpose.
  • Representing the Association toward third parties.
  • Directing the Association’s activities.
  • Managing the budget and resources of the Association and keeping the accounts.
  • Making decisions regarding the admission and resignation of members.
  • Entering into and signing contracts and other acts in the name of the Association.
  • Convening and presiding over General Assemblies.
  • Delegating certain tasks to third parties.

Art. 13 Decisions of the Executive Committee are taken by a simple majority.

Art. 14 The Executive Committee represents the Association toward third parties. 14.1 Members of the Executive Committee bind the Association by joint signature of two, namely that of the President and the Treasurer, or in their absence, the Secretary.

Resources and Liability

Art. 15 The Association’s resources consist of membership fees, donations, legacies, and subsidies.

Art. 16 Any person wishing to become a member shall pay an annual fee of CHF 30. 16.1 In the event of resignation or expulsion from the Association during the year, the fee remains acquired by the Association.

Art. 17 Members of the Association are not personally liable for the Association’s debts, which are guaranteed only by the Association’s assets.

Dissolution

Art. 18 The dissolution of the Association may be decided by the General Assembly. In the event of dissolution, the available assets will be entirely assigned to an institution pursuing a public interest purpose similar to that of the association and benefiting from tax exemption. In no case shall the assets be returned to the physical founders or members, nor be used for their benefit, in whole or in part and in any manner whatsoever.

The present statutes were adopted by the Constitutive Assembly on October 12, 2005, in Geneva and were amended on June 25, 2025.