Our story

The first orthopedic centers were set up in refugee camps in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. Simple equipment available locally was used, enabling Handicap International to provide immediate, effective, and practical assistance, as well as to train local teams who would continue the work.

HI's founders decided to create an organization to help them “stand on their own two feet” with appropriate artificial limbs. Over time, HI has evolved into an organization with a range of programs aimed at providing assistance and social support to the most vulnerable groups in situations of conflict and natural disaster, poverty, and exclusion.

The organization has also begun addressing mental health issues, following its work in Romanian orphanages and during the war in the Balkans.

Supporting and strengthening local capacities

During this period, more and more links were forged with other organizations, both locally and internationally. HI supported organizations dedicated to people with disabilities who were campaigning for the right to be recognized and defended. At the same time, HI focused on creating national structures to train rehabilitation specialists. This training was established in Cambodia, Mozambique, and West Africa.

Period of expansion

During this time, HI consolidated its network by developing its international experience. Five new national associations were founded. They share the same goals, organize fundraising campaigns, and manage activities on an international scale.

The fight to ban cluster bombs

Since 2003, HI has been committed to the fight to ban cluster bombs and is a co-founder of the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC). As such, HI's campaigns advocate for the complete eradication of these weapons, which are in clear violation of international humanitarian law.

The organization strives to prevent disabilities and to ensure that appropriate care is provided to people with disabilities, who are often overlooked in emergency relief efforts.

According to HI, emergency response is the first step in an inclusive reconstruction process that takes into account the needs of people with disabilities.

The Convention reiterates that all persons with disabilities must be granted all human rights and fundamental freedoms and establishes a code to guarantee these rights. The Convention entered into force on May 3, 2008.

Since 2008, HI has been working in Haiti and was able to respond within 24 hours of the disaster. There is now a large team on the ground, providing healthcare and rehabilitation to the injured and supplying emergency orthopedic devices to amputees. Handicap International has also been involved in distributing emergency aid and setting up temporary shelters for those affected by the disaster.

Recipient of the Hilton Award

In 2011, HI received the Hilton Humanitarian Prize for its nearly 30 years of humanitarian work. This $1.5 million award is given annually by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to a humanitarian organization doing extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering.

From July 2012 to July 2013, HI celebrated its 30th anniversary.