Humanity & Inclusion / Handicap International
Information
HI works in around sixty countries in emergency, reconstruction, chronic crisis and development contexts. Since 1982, the organisation has been working alongside vulnerable populations, in particular persons with disabilities.
At the European Humanitarian Forum 2025, we are happy to present the exhibition "Rehabilitation matters: the appeal made by people in conflict-affected areas". Seven people, portrayed in this photo exhibition, shared their lived experiences about accessing rehabilitation and assistive technology in conflict-affected areas in Colombia, Iraq and Lao PDR. They are women and men, of different ages, and with different profiles: victims of explosive weapons or ordnance, internally displaced people, persons with disabilities, and caregivers.
The availability, affordability, accessibility and quality of rehabilitation services and assistive technology are jeopardised in conflict-affected areas. The key obstacles facing people who seek rehabilitation and assistive technology, during and after conflicts, include the increased vulnerability of already fragile health systems, significantly disrupted services (including power and water outages), damaged infrastructure, shortage of health and rehabilitation professionals and equipment, and widespread unsafety. However, conflicts cause surges in injuries or critical illness, thus increasing rehabilitation needs.
The diverse and unique stories, shared in the exhibition, come together as one appeal: it is time to scale up efforts and ensure that quality rehabilitation and assistive technology are provided for everyone in need, as a matter of rights, inclusion, and dignity.
Comprehensive victim assistance, rehabilitation and provision of assistive technology must be systematically incorporated into emergency responses, ensuring continuous support along the nexus of response, recovery, and preparedness.