Cision Wire

International Day of Mine Action: Desperate need for weapons clearance and risk education to protect civilians in Syria

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:17:54 GMT

London, 4th April 2013. Since the beginning of 2012, Syria has been the only country in the world to have used anti-personnel mines. The intensive bombing of the current conflict has also left behind a trail of unexploded devices, including cluster munitions, which pose a serious and lasting threat to civilians in Syria. Today, on the International Day of Mine Action, Handicap International has condemned the use of these barbaric weapons and is calling for immediate measures to protect civilians.

Iraq, ten years on: Civilians dramatically exposed to armed violence

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:30:00 GMT

London, 20th March 2013. Ten years after the launch of Anglo-American military operations in Iraq, Handicap International has expressed its alarm at the dire situation facing the country’s civilian population. For the last 10 years, civilians have borne the brunt of armed violence in Iraq and the withdrawal of coalition troops has not improved the security situation. The threat from millions of landmines and explosive remnants of war has increased the hardships facing the Iraqi people, who already live in extremely harsh conditions. In order to save lives, Handicap International plans to develop its risk education activities in the south of the country by adding a component on small arms.

Two years after the start of the uprising in Syria, Handicap International condemns the international community’s lamentable record of inaction

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:19:20 GMT

London, 15th March 2013. Handicap International has been aiding victims of the Syrian conflict for ten months. After launching a relief effort for Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon, it has extended its work into Syria itself, where working conditions are extremely harsh. Although 15th March marks the second anniversary of the start of the Syrian uprising, the organisation - which provides assistance to the most vulnerable individuals - has condemned the inaction of the international community, which has failed in its duty to protect civilians or to give them equal access to humanitarian aid.

Handicap International calls on President Obama to ban landmines

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:22:47 GMT

Handicap International is calling on the Obama administration to join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which marks its 14th year of entry into force today, 1st March. This life-saving treaty counts 161 States Parties, but countries including China, Iran, Russia, Syria and the U.S. have yet to join.

Three years after the earthquake: Empowering the people of Haiti

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 13:47:00 GMT

Handicap International launched its biggest ever emergency operation in response to the earthquake that hit Haiti on 12th January 2010. Three years on, the organisation is still present in Haiti, where it is helping to build the capacity of the local population to respond to the country’s needs.

Fifteen years after the landmine ban the number of new casualties halves

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:35:11 GMT

The number of reported new landmine and unexploded ordnance casualties has reduced dramatically since the banning of landmines was agreed, say UK anti-landmine campaigners today on the 15th anniversary of the treaty to outlaw the weapons.

Local communities around the UK raise their voices for the forgotten victims of landmines

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:39:35 GMT

Communities around the UK are set to launch events this weekend to raise awareness about the forgotten victims of landmines and cluster munitions. From the 1st to 10th December, clubs, community groups and schools all around the country will be taking action as part of the Forgotten 10 Challenge, a UK-wide campaign coordinated by Handicap International UK. This year, the campaign coincides with the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty on 3rd December.

Handicap International denounces use of cluster munitions in Syria

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:01:00 GMT

Handicap International today denounced the Syrian government’s use of cluster munitions in Maaret Al-Noomane, a town in northern Syria. This practice was recently confirmed by Human Rights Watch. The organisation first drew attention to the use of these weapons in Syria in July and October. Handicap International is extremely concerned by these latest developments and the recent upsurge in fighting in urban areas, which is having a serious impact on civilians. According to the organisation’s teams supplying humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon, more and more people injured in the conflict, including many children, are arriving every day.

38 aid agencies warn of humanitarian disaster in Gaza if military confrontation is not stopped

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:25:56 GMT

Handicap International delivers aid to hurricane-devastated Haiti

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:24:02 GMT

Handicap International has deployed emergency response teams in Haiti to get aid to vulnerable people affected by Hurricane Sandy. The teams are handing out emergency kits along with chlorine tablets to prevent cholera.