Handicap International

Handicap International is an independent charity working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster.

We work tirelessly alongside disabled and vulnerable people to help meet their basic needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.

© C. Billet / Hamsa Press / Handicap International

60 countries worldwide

Since it was founded in 1982, Handicap International has gone on to work in around 60 countries worldwide. Our work has benefited several million people in that time. Find out where we work.

Winner of 3 major international awards

Handicap International was a co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize as a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines which led to the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty.

The 2011 Hilton Humanitarian Prize was awarded to Handicap International in recognition of almost 30 years of humanitarian action. The largest humanitarian award in the world at $1.5 million, the prize is presented annually by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to a humanitarian organisation doing extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering.

Handicap International also received the 1996 Nansen Refugee Award for our work with refugees and victims of landmines. Instituted in 1954, the Nansen Refugee Award is given annually to an individual or an organization in recognition of extraordinary and dedicated service to refugees and is the most prestigious honour conferred by UNHCR.

Our International Federation

Handicap International is a federation of eight national associations: Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, UK and USA. Together, we mobilise resources and manage projects around the world to support disabled and vulnerable people.