Over 25 years of history

In 1975, Cambodia enters a dark period of its history with the Khmer Rouge seizure of power and the imposition of a totalitarian regime. The cities are emptied as inhabitants are sent to work camps on the border between Cambodia and Thailand. Hundreds of men, women and children are wounded and mutilated by bullets, pieces of shrapnel and mines, and are in desperate need of medical care. In response to the escalating number of mine victims, two French doctors working in these camps decide to take action. In 1982, they founded Handicap International.

The first orthopaediccentres are opened in refugee camps in Cambodia, Burma and Laos to help several thousand amputees. The use of simple and locally available materials is one of the major strengths which allows Handicap International to effectively provide rapid assistance and to train competent local teams. By 1986, the association is active in 12 countries.

Handicap International moves towards a more global approach to disability. The organization focuses on the creation of networks of local educational workers, on the strengthening of family and community groups, and on supporting access to educational, social and economic activities, etc. This approach enables us to diversify our actions. The association expands its activities to reach a total of 22 countries.

The scope of the disability issue is widened to include people in situations of exclusion and vulnerability. In 1992, Handicap International creates its first mine clearance programmes in Cambodia and Kurdistan and plays a key role, with 5 other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines . The association is active in 27 countries.

Handicap International strengthens its links to local and international organisations. National orthopaedic centres are opened in several countries. The association is present in 36 countries.

In December 1997, the Treaty to Ban Landmines is signed in Ottawa. 122 countries are committed to prohibit the use, stockpiling, transfer and production of anti-personnel mines. The following week, Handicap International is co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded to the 6 founding NGOs of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).

Today, Handicap International responds to humanitarian emergencies and works towards sustainable change in more than 60 countries throughout the world.