Latest news

Since the offensive to retake Mosul began two months ago, nearly 100,000 people have fled the fighting. For several weeks, Handicap International has been providing assistance to displaced people, through emergency activities such as physical therapy care and psychosocial support, mine risk education, and inclusion initiatives. Maud Bellon, Field Coordinator for Handicap International’s Mosul Emergency Response, gives an update on the situation.

Two months ago, the Iraqi and Kurdish armed forces launched an offensive to retake Mosul, in Iraq. Since then, nearly 100,000 people have fled the city and its surroundings. Handicap International’s teams are working in various displacement areas to provide them with assistance.

Kashmir, India. When Fayaz was 3-years-old, his legs were injured by an explosive shell. One year later, Humanity & Inclusion fitted him with artificial limbs. Back on his feet again, he’s now a budding cricket star.

As the year draws to a close, Aleema Shivji, Director of Handicap International UK, remembers children living in conflict zones all over the world, whose only wish for 2017 is peace.

More than 90 people were killed and 270 injured after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's Aceh province on Wednesday 7th December. Already present in the country, Handicap International is assessing the needs of those affected in preparation for a possible emergency response.

Aleema Shivji, Director of Handicap International UK, blogs about a new campaign with IKEA Fuundation to create inclusive playgrounds where vulnerable refugee children can feel safe to play and learn.

Nearly one month ago, Sinat’s family arrived in Khazer camp, where some 30,000 people who have fled Mosul and its surroundings now live. Sinat has cerebral palsy and her parents are worried about her health. She was recently visited by one of Handicap International’s teams, who immediately began providing her with physical therapy care.

Two weeks ago, Tiba fled the city of Mosul with her family and took refuge in Khazer camp for displaced people, not too far from the front lines. To make her life easier and to help her move around, Handicap International will shortly provide her with mobility aids.

Reema is 72. She is from Gogjali, a village located near the city of Mosul. Three weeks ago, she fled the fighting and arrived in Khazer camp for displaced people, with her family. Suffering from several illnesses, she only survives with their help. Handicap International’s emergency team paid her a visit. 

The UK's biggest grassroots campaign in support of the forgotten victims of conflict has begun. Now in its eighth year, the Forgotten 10 Challenge will see campaigners and school students holding events between 1st and 10th December to raise awareness and funds for people and communities affected by conflict in countries like Syria and Afghanistan.

Over the last six weeks, more than 75,000 people have fled the fighting in Mosul and its surrounding area.  Handicap International has deployed a dozen field mobile teams to assist people displaced by the conflict. The organization is providing rehabilitation care and psychosocial support in the main displacement areas.  

In two years' time, NGOs, People's Organizations and States will have a practical guide on how to improve the inclusion of people with disabilities in humanitarian aid. Handicap International, along with two partners, has been tasked by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) with undertaking this project. Ricardo Pla Cordero, the Technical Advisor on Inclusion in Humanitarian Action at Handicap International, explains why this is so important.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is celebrating its ten-year anniversary. Priscille Geiser, Head of the Support for Civil Society unit at Handicap International, looks back at the history of the Convention, why it came into being, and the progress it has instigated for people with disabilities.

More than one month after Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti on 4th October 2016, 1.4 million people still need immediate humanitarian aid. Handicap International is continuing its emergency response and the organization’s logistics platform is transporting humanitarian aid by road and sea.