Handicap International evaluation mission in Japan

From 26 March to 3 April, Handicap International performed an evaluation mission in Tokyo and the region of Miyagi, which was hit by the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011. Handicap International is also organising aid in support of the victims of the nuclear disaster in Fukushima.

During this mission, Handicap International, a leading provider of aid to persons with disabilities during earthquakes, was able to gauge the extent of needs on the ground and the obstacles faced by its Japanese partners, which include solidarity organisations such as the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan, rehabilitation professionals, including former Japanese voluntary workers from Handicap International's teams, and representatives of disabled people's organisations networks.

For the moment, Handicap International has not issued an emergency appeal for public support. It is focusing its efforts on the search for technical and organisational solutions with its Japanese partners to help improve the specific aid supplied to persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Spontaneous gifts received by Handicap International will be sent to the Japanese NGO AAR, which is currently active in the region of Sendai.