The principal objective of the Foundation is to contribute to a more tolerant world.

For the Founder and the Foundation Board, tolerance is both a state of mind and an attitude. It is truly meaningful only if tested in daily contact with others.

Tolerance is more than peace (especially if the latter is defined as the “absence of war”): it implies acceptance of others, no matter how different, and recognition that they are equal in rights and liberties, no matter what their sex, race, ethnic group, religion or opinions may be. Tolerance means overcoming mistrust, fear and prejudice, but also indifference, in order to open up to others and live not necessarily as them but with them.

The very concept of tolerance posits the existence of minimum values shared by all men – a kind of common set of rules of the game or universal normative framework, such as that set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – and recognition of the fact that, in respecting others, we all expect to be recognised and respected in turn.

By decree of the State Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva on May 16, 1990, the Ousseimi Foundation was constituted as a not-for-profit organisation under the name “FONDATION OUSSEIMI” pursuant to articles 80 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code, and registered in the Geneva Commercial Registry.

The life of the Foundation is of indefinite duration and its headquarters are in Geneva.

In accordance with the wishes of the Founder, aid is granted by the Foundation without discrimination of any kind.