Press Office

Press release | London, 3rd February 2016, 09:00 GMT.

The lives of civilians in Gaza are still endangered by explosive remnants of war [1], one year after the outbreak of fighting between Israel and Palestinian armed groups. At least 4,500 explosive devices [2], are still buried under the rubble of houses and infrastructure destroyed during the 50-day conflict. Handicap International immediately supplied aid to the most vulnerable individuals and, since March 2015, it has organised risk education sessions to prevent more people falling victim to these weapons.

To mark the publication today of the 2015 Landmine Monitor report [1] on the progress of the Mine Ban Treaty [2] , Handicap International is reminding States Parties to the treaty of their promise at the Maputo conference in June 2014 to free the world of mines by 2025. The report also notes a rise in the number of mine casualties and the use of mines during 2014. The organisation is calling on States Parties to redouble their efforts to eliminate this threat.

London, 3rd December 2015. Campaigners around the UK are taking action to protect civilians living in conflict zones by calling for an end to the use of explosive weapons [1] in populated areas. In Syria alone over 2 million children are at risk, living in areas highly affected by the use of explosive weapons [2]. The actions coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, 3rd December.

London, 3rd September 2015. According to the Cluster Munition Monitor 2015 report, launched today in Geneva, cluster munitions have been used in five countries since 1 July 2014.  This is the first time these weapons have been used so intensively since the ban treaty entered into force in 2010. The Review Conference in Dubrovnik taking place from 7th to 11th September, attended by States Parties to the Treaty, will provide the international community with an opportunity to redouble its efforts to prevent any further use of cluster munitions. Handicap International is calling on States Parties to systematically condemn the use of these barbaric weapons in order to ensure the treaty continues to protect civilians in the future.

London, 12th May 2015. A new report, published today by charity Handicap International, reveals the high degree of weapons contamination in Syria and warns that the lives of 5.1 million Syrians - including more than 2 million children - are at risk. Handicap International is calling on all the parties to the Syrian conflict to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and immediately end the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The international community must also urgently respond to address the harmful effects of these weapons on civilians.

London, 27th April 2015. Up to 3,600 people have been killed and more than 6,500 injured in Nepal, according to figures released by the United Nations . Several regions have been cut off and the number of victims continues to rise. Handicap International expects to see significant numbers of spinal cord injuries and multiple fractures among the injured people arriving at hospitals. It is paramount that the wounded are taken care of immediately to reduce the risk of long-term disabilities. 

London, 25th April 2015 . Handicap International has launched an emergency response following the violent earthquake that hit Nepal on earlier today. At least 970 people are reported dead, but that provisional toll is expected to rise given the widespread scale of destruction. Active in Nepal since 2000, Handicap International has already provided emergency wheelchairs to several hospitals. The organisation is calling for donations to help injured and vulnerable people.

London, 12 March 2015. Four years since the Syrian conflict began, the toll continues to rise. More than 190,000 people have died and one million have been injured. Tens of thousands of people urgently require orthopaedic fitting and rehabilitation. An entire generation of injured and disabled people need immediate and long-term care.

London, 15th January 2015. Handicap International today publishes a report “Bombs under the rubble”, evaluating the Gazan population’s awareness of the presence of explosive remnants of war (ERW). Following the Israeli offensive between 7th July and 26th August 2014, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) estimates that there are at least 7,000 unexploded devices and munitions, mainly mixed in with the rubble. Almost half of the people interviewed as part of the Handicap International study reported feelings of fear on a daily basis due to the presence of these bombs. 45% of people surveyed had benefited from awareness-raising actions, but children, particularly young boys, were identified as a ma­jor high-risk group that should be a priority for risk education to prevent accidents.