Humanity & Inclusion

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# Humanity & Inclusion

]]Humanity & Inclusion]] (HI), formerly known as Handicap International, is an international non-governmental organization that provides assistance to people with disabilities and vulnerable populations in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster. The organization works to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities and to promote their rights and dignity.

History

Humanity & Inclusion was founded in 1982 by two French doctors, Jean-Baptiste Richardier and Claude Simonnot, along with a group of volunteers. The organization was established in response to the needs of Cambodian refugees who were victims of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Initially focused on providing prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services, HI has since expanded its scope to address a wide range of issues affecting people with disabilities.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of Humanity & Inclusion is to support people with disabilities and vulnerable populations by responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions, and promoting respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. The organization aims to:

• Provide rehabilitation services and assistive devices.
• Promote inclusive education and employment opportunities.
• Advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
• Support victims of conflict and natural disasters.
• Campaign against the use of landmines and cluster munitions.

Programs and Activities

Humanity & Inclusion operates in over 60 countries worldwide, implementing a variety of programs and activities:

• Rehabilitation: HI provides physical rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy and the provision of prosthetic and orthotic devices.
• Inclusive Education: The organization works to ensure that children with disabilities have access to quality education in inclusive settings.
• Health and Prevention: HI promotes access to healthcare services and works on prevention programs to reduce the incidence of disabilities.
• Livelihoods: The organization supports economic inclusion by providing vocational training and promoting employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Emergency Response: HI responds to humanitarian crises by providing emergency aid and supporting the recovery and resilience of affected communities.

Advocacy and Campaigns

Humanity & Inclusion is actively involved in advocacy efforts to promote the rights of people with disabilities. The organization is a co-founder of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. HI also campaigns against the use of cluster munitions and works to ensure the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Related Pages

• International Campaign to Ban Landmines
• Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• Prosthetics
• Inclusive education

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