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Handicap International, active in Colombia since 1998 [1], is preparing to launch a five-year mine clearance operation in three of the country’s departments (Cauca, Meta and Caquetá). The organisation is also continuing to deliver awareness-raising on the risks associated with landmines and explosive remnants of war, as well as victim assistance.

Handicap International attended the Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty in Chile from 28th November to 1st December. It used this opportunity to present its “integrated approach” to victim assistance. Elke Hottentot, Handicap International’s victim assistance expert, explains the challenges involved.

Handicap International is continuing its work to help the victims of Hurricane Matthew, three months after the hurricane swept through Haiti. Over 700 emergency kits have just been distributed to victims of the disaster, enabling them to rebuild their homes and improve their living conditions.

On 12 January 2010, Haiti was devastated by an earthquake which killed 230,000 people and injured over 300,000. Handicap International took action immediately after the disaster to provide assistance to the victims. Seven years later, the organisation is still working the country to ensure Haitians have access to rehabilitation services. 

In the summer of 2016, Rupert Godesen took on an almighty challenge to raise money for rehabilitation care for disabled and injured people around the world. We don’t use the word ‘almighty’ lightly: Rupert decided to run the ‘Race to the King Ultra-Marathon’, a mammoth 53.5 miles from Arundel to Winchester over just two days.

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On 25th November 2016, Handicap International staff, government ministers, and local authorities in Laos gathered in Chao Anouvong Park, in Vientiane, to celebrate 20 years of action in the country. Handicap International organised a photo exhibition, film screenings and a performance to underline the impact of twenty years of projects in Laos.

In September 2016, two friends, Doug Flynn and Patrick Jenkinson, took part in an incredibly tough challenge. After 8 months of emotionally and physically demanding training, the pair headed to Rwanda to complete ‘Tri Untested’: a wheelchair marathon, a blind marathon and a 2km 'no-leg' swim. They wanted to raise awareness and funds to support people with disabilities in some of the poorest countries on earth.

This December, campaigners and school students up and down the UK held fantastic events to raise awareness and funds for the forgotten victims of conflict. As part of the Forgotten 10 Challenge, local groups organised eye-catching displays, ‘Tea at 10’ coffee mornings, and built Pyramids of Shoes to get people thinking about what life is like for survivors of bombings in countries like Syria. At the same time, school students from Surrey to Aberdeenshire learnt about civilians affected by war and took action to support some of the most vulnerable people on earth.

Boubacar, 33, works as a legal adviser at Senegal's Ministry for African Integration, NEPAD* and Good Governance. Handicap International provided him with occupational support to overcome obstacles arising from his disability. The organisation highlighted his skills and made the Ministry for Public Services aware of the need to include people with disabilities on its teams.

Handicap International helps people with disabilities find work in the Dakar region of Senegal. Through personalised support, training and advocacy work with businesses, the organisation helps them successfully enter the world of work.

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 physiotherapy 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.