Handicap International (HI)

Handicap International (HI), now also known as Humanity & Inclusion, is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that works in situations of poverty, conflict, and disaster to support people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Here are detailed insights about the organization:

Overview

• Full Name: Humanity & Inclusion (formerly Handicap International)

• Founded: 1982, in Lyon, France

• Headquarters: Lyon, France and Brussels, Belgium

• Legal Status: Non-profit, humanitarian NGO

• Website: www.hi.org

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To ensure that disabled and vulnerable people are included in humanitarian response and development programs and can exercise their rights and live in dignity.

• Vision: A world of solidarity and inclusion, where everyone can live with dignity.

Key Areas of Work

1. Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy:

   • Providing prosthetics, orthotics, mobility aids.

   • Supporting rehabilitation centers and training local professionals.

2. Inclusion and Accessibility:

   • Advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

   • Promoting inclusive education and employment opportunities.

3. Health and Prevention:

   • Addressing neglected tropical diseases.

   • Supporting maternal and child health programs.

4. Mine Action and Armed Violence Reduction:

   • Clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

   • Risk education and victim assistance.

5. Emergency Response:

   • Providing aid during natural disasters and conflicts.

   • Ensuring disability-inclusive humanitarian responses.

6. Advocacy:

   • Campaigns against landmines and cluster munitions (co-founder of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997).

   • Promoting international policies on disability inclusion.

Global Presence

• Countries of Operation: 60+ countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

• Partners: Works with local NGOs, governments, UN agencies, and international donors.

Notable Achievements

• Nobel Peace Prize 1997: As a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).

• Advocacy Successes: Played a key role in the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Mine Ban Treaty.

Funding Sources

• Governments and public institutions

• Private donations

• International organizations (e.g., EU, UN)

• Foundations and corporate sponsors

  Handicap International, now known as Humanity & Inclusion (HI), has been operating in Kenya since 1992. The organization focuses on improving the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, particularly in refugee camps and host communities.

  📍 Contact Information

  Humanity & Inclusion Kenya Office

  • Address: Africa-Re Centre, Hospital Road, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 76375-00508, Nairobi, Kenya

  • Telephone: +254 20 2716500 / +254 20 2716445

  • Mobile: +254 714 606997

  • Email: hikenya@handicap-international.or.ke

  🌍 Activities in Kenya

  In Kenya, HI provides assistance to people living in refugee camps and host communities. The organization works to improve living conditions by ensuring equal and protected access to learning opportunities, employment, civic engagement, and essential services. HI also offers rehabilitation and psychosocial support services, operates care centers in camps, and distributes mobility aids such as prostheses and walking frames. Additionally, HI equips educators with inclusive education training to support students with disabilities.