Handicap International - Belgium

who we are

Helping people with disabilities since 1982

The vision of Handicap International is one of a world in which all forms of disabilities can be prevented, cared for or integrated, and in which the rights of disabled people are respected.

In Cambodia, where so many struggle to meet basic needs, disability often means extreme vulnerability and poverty. At Handicap International, we provide a range of support activities to help people with disabilities regain their independence, dignity and rights.

what we do

Landmines and explosive remnants from the recent civil war still kill or maim hundreds of Cambodians every year. To help these victims build new lives, we support two Physical Rehabilitation Centres located in Siem Reap and Takeo. The centres provide treatment such as fitting prosthetic and orthotic devices, physiotherapy sessions and follow-up visits in the patient’s village, all free of charge, to more than 5,000 disabled people per year.

Landmine accidents are just one of the many causes of disabilities. For example, the recent improvement of the road network has led to an alarming increase in traffic accidents. Every day, four Cambodians die and 70 others are injured, leading us to develop a vast prevention program encompassing education, research and awareness.

We also work in the villages to encourage families to detect early signs of diseases, congenital problems and other major, preventable causes of disabilities, and encourage them to send their children in for treatment.