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Alongside its local partners, Handicap International runs education sessions concerning the risks on Syrian territory, primarily for populations displaced by the violence. The intensity of the bombing which leaves many areas contaminated with explosive remnants of war, the use of mines and improvised explosive devices exposes civilians to the threat of explosions. Laurent Davy, Syria Desk Officer at Handicap International, explains why it is so important to raise the Syrian people’s awareness of this danger.

Civilians in Yemen are seriously affected by bomb attacks and the explosive remnants of war they leave behind, and by anti-personnel mines and improvised explosive devices acting as mines^[1]. Nearly 1,000 people were killed or injured by these barbaric weapons in 2015^[2]. As part of its response, Handicap International provides support to rehabilitation services in three health centres in Sana’a. More than 3,000 people received aid from the organisation between March and September 2016, most of them casualties of the conflict.

Two years ago, Sarmad had to have his leg amputated after he was injured in an attack in Jalawla, Iraq. Months later, his family fled when the Islamic State group captured the city. Early this year, Sarmad and his relatives finally returned home. Handicap International now provides this young father with physiotherapy care and psychosocial support.

Salim left Jalawla with his family two years ago after the Islamic State group captured the city. As they fled, his son died and Salim had a heart attack. Since his return to Jalawla, Handicap International’s team monitors him and has provided him with physiotherapy sessions and psychosocial support.

Injured in one of Iraq’s many wars, Sabah had his leg amputated several years ago. When Jalawla was captured by the Islamic State group in 2014, he fled the city with his family. They returned to Jalawla in early 2016. Still traumatised by all he went through, Sabah follows psychosocial support sessions supported by one of Handicap International’s teams. The organisation has also provided him with mobility aids to make his life easier.

The Islamic State group captured the Iraqi city of Jalawla in August 2014. Heavy fighting then displaced tens of thousands of its inhabitants. Recaptured in December 2015, Jalawla is now one of the most severely damaged cities in the conflict. Even if the area is still contaminated, its residents have gradually begun to move back to their homes, since the beginning of 2016. Handicap International conducts risk education and victim assistance activities there and will shortly begin clearance operations to secure the streets. 

Over 55,000 people have been displaced since military operations to retake Mosul began on the 17^th of October. Hasansham camp opened ten days ago and is already full: more than 10 000 IDPs have found refuge there.

More than 55,000 people have been displaced since military operations to retake Mosul began on the 17^th of October. Several thousand of them now live in Khazer camp, 15 kilometres away from the frontline. 

More than 55,000 people have been displaced this month, since the launch of the Mosul offensive (Iraq). Handicap International’s teams will start working and providing assistance to vulnerable people in displacement areas, starting next week. 

The threat of anti-personnel mines still hangs over the people of Casamance despite an end to the conflict^[1] in this region of Senegal. Handicap International has been running demining programmes since December 2015. After completing an initial operation in the village of Diagnon, the organisation is now clearing 20,000 square metres in Boutoute, on the outskirts of Ziguinchor, to free villagers from the danger of mines.

In Bolivia, Handicap International has helped set up seven rehabilitation centres  and promotes access to quality care for people with disabilities. Within the space of two years, more than 2,800 people have benefited from our rehabilitation services.

Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti on 4 October 2016. One month on, 1.4 million people still need humanitarian aid. The south and north of the country were also recently hit by intense rainfall, and many roads are completely blocked by floods. Handicap International continues to provide emergency response to victims of the disaster.

Three weeks after the start of the military offensive to take back the city of Mosul in Iraq, over 34,000 people have already been displaced. Handicap International is preparing to provide them with support and to deploy substantial resources to respond to the emergency situation. Situation update on the organisation's humanitarian intervention:

Early in the summer of 2015, Shua’a (9) and her family were caught in a bombing raid in Syria, resulting in the amputation of her left foot. Her family now lives in Azraq camp, in Jordan. With Handicap International’s help she will very shortly be fitted with a prosthesis and will be able to walk over longer distances.