History

In an initial phase, projects primarily focused on providing orthopaedic equipment (prostheses and orthoses) for people with disabilities. However, the organisation quickly became aware that the problems associated with disabilities in developing countries had to be considered in a wider context. While victims undoubtedly required assistance, efforts also had to be undertaken to prevent disabilities. In partnership with five other NGOs, in 1992 Handicap International launched a campaign against the use of anti-personnel mines, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). This proved successful as Belgium, in 1995, became the first country to ban the use of anti-personnel mines. Two years later, 122 countries signed the Ottawa Convention, undertaking never again to use, stockpile, export or produce anti-personnel mines. In 1997, Handicap International and the other NGOs of the ICBL were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The battle was fought on all fronts and was not restricted to a diplomatic approach. Projects were launched to provide local populations with information about the risks associated with anti-personnel mines and unexploded devices. Mine clearance operations were organised.

Throughout the 1990s, and at the beginning of the new millennium, Handicap International experienced rapid development. The number of projects increased rapidly, and the organisation was now present on all continents. After France and Belgium, other sections were also established in Canada, Germany, the UK, Luxembourg, the USA and Switzerland.

Aid was no longer restricted to the victims of anti-personnel mines and unexploded devices; it was now extended to include people with other kinds of disability, such as those suffering from leprosy and polio, or who had been left with disability following a conflict or natural disaster. The rehabilitation centres were working at full tilt. However, it became evident that more was required than just getting patients back on their feet. After the rehabilitation period, these people had to be reintegrated into their communities. Handicap International therefore set up projects specifically focussing on reintegration. The prevention of disability also remained a key area, not just with regard to accidents caused by anti-personnel mines, but also the prevention of disabilities resulting from disabling diseases, congenital defects and traffic accidents. These various actions were recently complemented by projects focussing on mother and child health. The idea is to detect disabilities and prevent them at birth. Finally, thanks to Handicap International, a diplomatic victory was won at the end of 2008, with the ban on cluster munitions being enshrined in an international treaty.