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Humanitarian Aid Accessible For All

Emergency

In emergency situations, many vulnerable people do not get sufficient assistance, because of their disability or their isolation. On the occasion of the World Humanitarian Day, Handicap International reaffirms its commitment to make humanitarian aid accessible to every affected people without distinction.

World Humanitarian Day visual | (c) Handicap International

Ecuador, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nepal, Yemen, Ukraine, Middle-East, Sierra Leone, Libya, Philippines… millions are currently affected by epidemics, disasters and war. In these situations, persons with disabilities, elderly persons, isolated persons are the most disadvantaged. 75% of people with disabilities do not have sufficient access to humanitarian aid.

Since its foundation, Handicap International has put its expertise to serve the most vulnerable persons. In 2015 only, our association supported 740,000 people in 24 countries; almost half of them are Syrian refugees living in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.

Handicap International repairs the lives of the people affected by humanitarian crises, by providing technical support to hospitals and health staff; rehabilitation to people who have been injured or disabled; and psychosocial support to those living with the trauma.

 

Logistics platform to reach the most remote areas

Lastly, Handicap International seeks to extend the reach of the humanitarian organizations. Through logistics platforms, Handicap International allows its partners to access the most difficult terrains.

The organization currently runs two logistics platform in North Kivu (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and in the Central African Republic. Handicap International sets up networks of transporters to help international organizations efficiently reach the most isolated people.

 

 

Yemen: Bushra, victim of war, gets support from Handicap International

Bushra, 24, is among the victims of the armed conflict that has been tearing Yemen apart for almost two years. She was gravely injured following air strikes on her hometown, in Dhamar governorate. She was transported to Sanaa to receive surgery.

Bushra received medical care in one of the hospitals supported by Handicap International; the surgeons successfully operated her. Bushra did not lose the use of her legs. Yet, after sustaining severe injuries and trauma, Bushra needed specific assistance to fully recover. Handicap International provided her a walker, rehabilitation care and psychosocial support.

Despite her recovery, she longs for peace and a life without trouble. « All I want is to walk without any help or device; to have a normal life like everyone else in the world. »

 

 

A charter to enforce the better inclusion of disabled people

Handicap International advocated for the adoption of a charter promoting a better inclusion of people with disabilities in humanitarian aid. Launched during the World Humanitarian Summit of Istanbul (23rd and 24th of May), the charter was endorsed by 128 humanitarian organizations and States so far.

 

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