Latest news

Syria’s seven-year conflict has devastated the country, resulting in unprecedented population movements. More than five million Syrian refugees are living in neighboring countries, including more than one million in Lebanon. Mariam has been working as a physical therapist for Humanity & Inclusion (HI) in Lebanon ever since the organization launched its response in the country. Below, she describes a day in her life supporting refugees.

The latest version of the Fair ‘n Square website, which was first launched in 2015 by Handicap International (HI) in conjunction with UNICEF, looks at the ways in which children and adults with disabilities in Mozambique are discriminated against on a daily basis.

From the 1st to 10th December 2017, local clubs, community groups and schools around the UK are taking action in support of the forgotten victims of conflict. These events are part of the Forgotten 10 Challenge, a campaign coordinated by the charity Handicap International.

Several NGOs operating in Yemen are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities across Yemen, including in Sanaa. The NGOs are asking parties to the conflict to allow full and unfettered humanitarian access to people in need and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

On 13 November, voters in Somaliland elected their new president. Over a period of more than two years, Handicap International (HI) encouraged people with disabilities to participate in the electoral system. This inclusive elections initiative was implemented in six of the country’s regions and benefited some 300,000 people with disabilities.  

Karen Saba reflects on International Day of Persons with Disability.

Handicap International (HI) organized several events in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December as part of its efforts to engage the authorities on rehabilitation issues. These events included a photo exhibition and a concert by the singer B.I.C. - a star in Haiti and the organization’s ambassador. 

Handicap International (HI) works in several countries to enhance the inclusion of people with disabilities and vulnerable individuals in humanitarian assistance. Its action includes awareness-raising, training, the audit of inclusive humanitarian action and support to implement it. In Lebanon, at the request of Unicef, HI is providing assistance to its partners to enhance the inclusion of people with disabilities in all hygiene and sanitation projects targeted at Syrian refugees. 

This #givingtuesday Handicap International UK is inviting you to help us to raise £3,000, which could provide 100 new artificial limb limbs for children living with disabilities around the world.

From 27th to 28th November, Handicap International (HI) is organizing a regional conference on the bombing of civilians. The Conference will take place in Maputo, Mozambique and aims to bring together some 20 States, 10 African civil society organizations and international NGOs. The goal is to raise awareness of this vital challenge among African countries and to encourage them to take action on the world stage to protect civilians from the devastating impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

More than 5,000 civilians have been killed and 9,000 injured in the conflict in Yemen over the last three years. Although more than 70% of the population (21 million Yemenis) need emergency aid, the blockade imposed on 6th November 2017 has aggravated an already disastrous humanitarian situation[1], preventing the entry of foodstuffs, medical supplies and humanitarian aid. Seven million people are on the brink of famine. Arnaud Pont, Yemen emergency desk officer at Handicap International (HI), explains the gravity of the situation:

HI works in five health centers and hospitals in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, where it provides rehabilitation care and distributes mobility aids (crutches, wheelchairs), among other activities. The impact on the population and humanitarian operations is likely worsen rapidly if the blockade imposed on 6th November 2017 is not lifted. François Olive-Keravec, Yemen program director at Handicap International (HI), who is currently in Sanaa, describes the situation in the field.

Ayesha Begum is 22 years old. In early September, she took refuge in Bangladesh where, with her three children, she joined her brothers in a temporary shelter on the edge of Kutupalong camp. Her husband is dead. She takes part in a parents’ club organized by HI, which provides psychosocial support to mothers living as refugees.

Abu Sadeq is one of 600,000 Rohingya people who have fled Myanmar since 25th August 2017. Seriously injured in an attack, he describes his life in Uchinprang camp, in Bangladesh.

12 days since land, air and seaports in Yemen were closed, aid agencies are appalled by the complacency and indifference of the international community regarding the historic humanitarian disaster now unfolding.