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ACTIVITY REPORT ¦ BELGIAN SECTION 2011

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The activity report 2011 of the Belgian section of Handicap International.

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Page 1: Activity report 2011

ACTIVITY REPORT ¦ BELGIAN SECTION2011

Page 2: Activity report 2011

CONTENTS ¦ P.03 LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN ¦ P.05 FOREWORD ¦ P.08 THEMES ¦ P.15 PROGRAMMES OVERVIEW ¦ P.36 FINANCIAL REPORT

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03 ¦

In 2011, an important event took place thatwould shape the future of HandicapInternational. At the general meeting inJune, it was decided that Handicap Inter-national Belgium would join the HandicapInternational Federation. Since 1 January2012, the Federation has thus consisted ofeight national associations, i.e. HandicapInternational Belgium, Canada, Germany,France, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom,the United States and Switzerland. Theactivities in the field led by Belgium will fallunder the responsibility of the Federation.Handicap International Belgium remainsresponsible for both institutional andprivate fundraising, communications anddevelopment education.

This membership means we will be able todo more for people with disabilities andvulnerable people in need in the southernhemisphere. This new organisational formwill enable us to deploy our funds andpeople more efficiently and the integrationof the Belgian department will also benefitthe Federation. The skills and experiencethat our employees in Brussels havedeveloped are greatly appreciated withinthe Federation.

¦ LETTER FROM¦ THE CHAIRMAN

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04 ¦ ACTIVITY REPORT 2011 ¦ HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

Furthermore, the changes within the orga-nisation have an impact at managementlevel. Vincent Slypen will remain GeneralDirector of Handicap International Belgium.He will be assisted in this by Jan Brigou,Director of Fundraising and Communications.Pierre Santacatterina has been appointedto the Federation’s management committee.Ana Calvo is Deputy Director of Develop-ment Programmes and coordinates theprojects managed from Brussels.

Handicap International Belgium has tenrepresentatives in the Federation’s generalassembly. Anne Capelle, who has workedfor Handicap International both in the fieldand in Brussels, was appointed as directoron the Federation’s board. Together, theywill ensure that our Belgian voice is heard.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors hasmade an effort to better get to know theteams in Belgium and in the field. Weinvited the various departments of theBrussels office to come and introducethemselves to us. Physiotherapist OlivierChampagne and rehabilitation specialistEtienne Masquelier, also directors, went toHaiti.

I headed for China, where I was able toshow Princess Mathilde of Belgium ourprojects. Her sincere interest and keenquestions provided a boost for our targetgroup and the employees in the field.

I would also like to point out that we havejoined the Federation with a healthyfinancial balance sheet. That has alwaysbeen our aim. Everyone has workedtowards this, whether they are in the field,fundraising and communications, finance,management, etc. This also demonstratesHandicap International Belgium’s expertise.

Nor in any way has our team in Belgiumbeen resting on its laurels. Solidanza, thedance party for people with and withoutdisabilities, took place in three cities in2011 and reached a very broad public. Thishas provided Handicap International withgreater recognition. Furthermore, a largeamount of money was collected togetherwith Consortium 1212 for vulnerable peoplesuffering from famine in East Africa. Inaddition, The Scars of War photographicexhibition toured a variety of Flemish townsand cities.

Finally, on behalf of the Board of Directors,I would like to thank all of our donors aswell as our employees in Brussels and inthe field not only for what they have donefor Handicap International Belgium in 2011especially, but also in previous years.

Benoît SmetsPresident

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05 ¦HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL ¦ ACTIVITY REPORT 2011

After 2010, a year severely impacted by twonatural disasters and their tragic aftermathfor the people of Haiti and Pakistan, 2011was certainly one of stability, despite havingto deal with a severe food crisis in the Hornof Africa.

Humanitarian operators sounded the alarmearly on: due to continuous drought, EastAfrica was to experience food shortageswith disastrous consequences for 11 millionpeople. This crisis was felt most prominentlyin Somalia, resulting in an influx of refugeesat camps such as the ones in Dadaab,Kenya. Handicap International has beenworking in these camps for several years,providing assistance to the most vulnerable.To respond to this food crisis and meetneeds, Handicap International and Consor-tium 12-12 launched an appeal for supportwhich received a generous response fromthe Belgian public.

In Haiti, another country for which Consor-tium 12-12 launched an appeal followingthe earthquake in January 2010, our projectsprogressed from emergency response toreconstruction and development, workingparticularly to help victims of the earthquake

find work and to raise employer awarenessof the potential of people with disabilities.This kind of reconstruction work is lessvisible, but no less important to ourbeneficiaries in a country that still facesmany challenges. Our projects in Haiti alsodemonstrate the continuity that we arecommitted to establishing, starting with areaction to a crisis situation andprogressing to provide a longer termresponse to the needs of our beneficiaries.

This last year was not only a year ofstabilisation in Haiti, but also a year ofstability for all our programmes. We alsoprepared for Handicap International's with-drawal from Angola, which took place inearly 2012. After nearly twenty yearsworking in the country, it was with somesadness that we gradually handed over thevarious projects we were running to ourAngolan partners. However, we are confidentabout the future, even though it will notalways be easy. Despite the fact thatHandicap International will no longer havea physical presence in the country, ourorganisations will carry out regular visitsthroughout the course of this year toensure that the transition is going as

The membersof the Boardof Directors

Benoît Smets,President

Olivier Champagne,Vice-president

Jean-Frédéric Vigneron,Secretary

André Lallemand,Treasurer

Corinne Bleyenheuft,Member

Minke De Smet,Member

© B. BLONDEL - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL © S. BOGAERT - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

¦ FOREWORD

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of the world, are being ‘exported’ and arenow appearing in our project countries. Iam talking about diabetes and hyper-tension, which, if left untreated, can haveserious consequences: amputation orblindness in the case of diabetes, andstrokes or paralysis in that of hypertension.Our health care system is designed toscreen for these diseases and prevent suchconsequences. Here, a person can live withdiabetes, but it is more difficult in adeveloping country. This is, therefore, achallenge that needs to be met and ourorganisation intends to contribute itsexpertise in this field.

We followed an identical path when wedecided to work in the field of maternal andchild health. Today, we are an increasinglyrecognised operator in this field with projectsin Asia and Africa and with a specific angle.This is as we have chosen to work on thescreening and prevention of disabilities inmothers and in children under five, whilemost operators are working on reducingmaternal and child mortality. As such, weare contributing to achieving MillenniumGoals 4 and 5 by adding an original angle,which has also helped enhance reflectionon these two goals.

In June 2012, at the United Nations Confe-rence on Sustainable Development, Rio +20,the various stakeholders will have theopportunity to discuss the Millennium Goalsagain. We hope that the issue of disabilitywill be included in the discussions. TheWorld Health Organisation's report ondisability, published in 2011, showed the

extent to which this is necessary. The reportonce again highlighted the connectionbetween poverty and disability and theneed to listen to people with disabilities inorder to establish the most appropriateresponses to their needs.

This is, in fact, a principle that HandicapInternational adopted when creating BanAdvocates a few years ago. We broughttogether a small group of survivors ofcluster-munitions accidents to share theirpersonal stories during the conferences inorder to draw up the Convention on ClusterMunitions. They played a decisive role inthe treaty's preparation, which containsstrong provisions concerning victim assis-tance. We might think, now that theConvention has come into force, that theproblem is solved. Nothing could be furtherfrom the truth. In 2011, after the peak intreaty signing and the first meeting ofsignatory states in November 2010, webegan substantive work that is perhapsless 'exciting' than achieving an accord, butjust as essential. We have since revised therole of Ban Advocates so that they now actmore as an intermediary and carry outadvocacy at national level. Their presence iscrucial in getting every country to sign thetreaty and in highlighting the importance ofimplementing the Oslo Convention effectivelyand quickly, without omitting any of theprovisions concerning victim assistance.

Handicap International published a reportat the end of 2011, ‘Victim Assistance inCambodia, The human face of survivors andtheir needs for assistance’, which high-

smoothly as possible. I would like to thankthe many people who spent a good numberof years working to protect the interests ofpeople with disabilities in Angola. Thesepeople will now take a different direction;for the majority, their work with HandicapInternational was not merely a job, but agenuine commitment to people with disabi-lities.

Unfortunately, 2011 also saw the sad re-emergence of poliomyelitis in Congo-Brazzaville, a country that was on the pointof declaring itself free of the disease. WhenHandicap International began working inMbuji Mayi (DR Congo) in 1995, we hopedthat it would be one of the last outbreaksof this severely disabling disease. Morethan fifteen years later, Handicap Interna-tional deployed a team to the Pointe-Noireregion in the Republic of Congo. Thisepidemic was abnormal, with the majorityof cases being in young adults, whereas,generally, children are the ones mostaffected. The virus proved to be extremelyvirulent, resulting in severe paralysis forpatients. As such, the epidemic also had animpact on families, who lost a labour force,and therefore a source of income, a para-meter that we had to take into considerationin our approach.

This epidemic demonstrated the addedvalue of Handicap International's workconcerning disabling diseases such as polio.The quality of our response in the Republicof Congo was praised by all of our partnersand by the beneficiaries themselves. Yetother diseases, well- known in our region

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lighted the limited or inadequate responsesto the needs of victims of unexplodedordnance. There remains a considerableamount of work to be done in this matter.Physical rehabilitation is not an end initself; care for victims must be compre-hensive and every aspect of their livesconsidered.

In 2011, Handicap International also begansignificant research on the connectionbetween armed violence and disability. Thisresearch will result in the publication of areport in the second half of 2012 andshould reveal new areas of work for ourorganisation.

We have been no less busy in Belgium. Theexhibition, ‘Scars of War’, showed the impactof unexploded ordnance, while at the sametime making a comparison between thesituation in Belgium after the First WorldWar and current conditions in HandicapInternational’s project countries. It continuedto tour Belgium in 2011, stopping at Ypres,Bruges, Leopoldsburg, Genk and Hal.

The project, ‘Associations Solidaires’, conti-nued providing opportunities to developties between associations in developingcountries and associations in the developedworld. In 2011, our Laos partners visitedBelgium to meet their counterparts, PasseMuraille. They spent several days discussingthe issue of disability employment, offeringthe opportunity for fruitful interaction andexchange of ideas.

Every year, our ‘Bricoleurs du Cœur’ showthat they are not short of ideas when itcomes to improving the daily lives of theirnearest and dearest who have disabilities.Sharing these ideas is very much to theircredit and demonstrates a spirit of solidarity.

Solidarity is very much the motto for‘Solidanza’. In 2011, we held this charitydance event in three cities: Ghent, Namurand Brussels. This event is always wellreceived by the Belgian public and bringstogether, for a few hours, all generations,with disabilities or otherwise – an excellentway to celebrate the International Day ofPersons with Disabilities!

Last year was also an important milestonein Handicap International's life as anassociation. Thus is since the GeneralMeeting voted to join the Federation, joiningthe sections of seven other countries -France, Germany, Canada, the United States,the United Kingdom, Luxembourg andSwitzerland – which make up the Fede-ration. This will strengthen the organisationand should offer greater capacity to act inthe interests of our beneficiaries. HandicapInternational Belgium will also continue tostrengthen its footing in Belgium, with ourparticular desire to have greater presenceat every level, local and institutional, torepresent an operational organisation notjust in the fifteen project countries managedfrom Belgium, but also in some sixtycountries worldwide.

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There will be no shortage of projects in2012 – a year in which the organisation willalso celebrate its thirtieth anniversary.Thirty years is the age of maturity. We willcontinue to work within a strong organi-sation with prospects for developing oursupport for people with disabilitiesthroughout the world.

I would like also to take the opportunity tothank all those who have made our workpossible: our teams in the field and inBrussels, those who support us financially– our Belgian donors and our institutionalfund providers – and all those who, in oneway or another, have made it possible toimprove the daily lives of people withdisabilities around the world.

Vincent SlypenGeneral Director

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8 ¦ RAPPORT D’ACTIVITÉS 2011 ¦ HANDICAP INTERNATIONALP.08 � P.14 ¦ THEMES

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HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL ¦ RAPPORT D’ACTIVITÉS 2011 09 ¦

A long process

This decision was an important milestone in a journey thatbegan twenty-six years ago, when Handicap InternationalBelgium was created in 1986 - just four years after the officialfounding of Handicap International in France. “It was the strong,professional and personal ties fostered during missions inThailand and Cambodia, and then Pakistan, which gave us theidea to create a Belgian ‘sister’ office, designed as operationaland endowed with the flagship Cambodia programme,”remembers Jean-Baptiste Richardier, one of Handicap Inter-national's founders, and current Executive Director of theFederation.

Other offices were created over the years: in Switzerland,Germany, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the United Kingdom,Canada and the United States. The organisation's growth andthe changing humanitarian landscape gradually highlighted theneed to form a federation. True, the process would take time,but in September 2009, it was achieved: the chairmen of thenational associations signed the Articles of Association votedfor by the Founding General Assembly, and the Handicap Inter-national Federation was born. “Since I have been with HandicapInternational, I have seen the commitment to becoming experts inour fields of work and having the ambition to grow to better servethe cause we uphold and our beneficiaries. But this ambition hasan international dimension: international fundraising, aninternational image, an international culture, an internationalorganisation,” stated Jacques Tassi, Chairman of the Federation'sBoard, during his speech at the Founding General Assembly.

¦ A FEDERATION TO BEST SERVE¦ THE CAUSE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE

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In June 2011,during Handicap InternationalBelgium's General Meeting a crucial decision wasmade regarding the organisation's future by votingto join the Handicap International Federation. Indoing so, it joined an international network ofseven other national associations in Europe,Canada and the United States and, above all, anorganisation that works in some sixty countriesassisting the most vulnerable and people withdisabilities.

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The chosen federal model established a federal operationalplatform owned by seven national associations including France.That day in September 2009 was therefore an importantmilestone for Handicap International France, which had to handover the management of its programmes to the Federation andbecome an association ‘like the others’.

Creating federal institutions requires time and, as HandicapInternational Belgium is, with France, one of the only twooperational offices, the Belgium office did not join the HandicapInternational Federation at the time of its creation. However, themovement was launched and, in June 2011, Handicap Inter-national Belgium’s General Assembly chose to join the ranks ofthe Federation. Vincent Slypen, General Director of the Belgianassociation, sums up the predominant feeling after the vote:“We are certain that being a part of an international organisationwill enable us to respond to the changes occurring in the worldin general and in the field of development aid in particular andtherefore to provide ever more efficient support for our bene-ficiaries. It was with them in mind that we resolved to commit tothis federal venture.”

Exchanging expertise

But what does that mean in concrete terms? Taking into accountthe programmes Belgium and France implemented, HandicapInternational works in more than sixty countries and managesmore than 300 projects implemented by 3,000 people, notincluding our local partners.

The organisation assists, not just people with disabilities, butalso more broadly: the most vulnerable, particularly pregnantwomen and the elderly; those at risk of disease, violence ordisabling accidents; those who live in areas polluted byunexploded ordnance; refugees; displaced persons and disaster-affected populations.

“Joining the Federation will give a broader dimension to theorganisation and our work,” adds Vincent Slypen. For example,while Belgium responds in emergency situations to meet thespecific needs of people disabled or injured in a natural disasteror conflict, the Handicap International Federation widens thescope of the assistance we are able to offer, making it possible,for example, to manage and distribute humanitarian aid:logistics support for distribution operations run by other non-governmental agencies or distribution of emergency kits for themost vulnerable. The organisation also oversees, where necessary,the reconstruction and rehabilitation of buildings and infra-structure.

But the reverse is also true, as Jacques Tassi, Chairman of theFederation's Board, points out: “The Federation will also be ableto make use of the quality, skills and resources available inBrussels and in the field to increase its operational capabilities,geographical coverage and range of activities to better serve thebeneficiaries in our project countries.” France and Belgium haveexplored different areas of work. In the field of prevention, forexample, Handicap International Belgium has become a keyplayer in all things concerning road safety. Road accidents are,in fact, a major cause of disability in emerging economies,particularly in South East Asia. Our teams, which have been

working in this region for a number of years, saw this problememerge and decided to develop appropriate responses. TheBelgian operational platform can now contribute its expertiseto the entire organisation at a time when countries in Africa arestarting to experience the same problem.

The issue of disabling diseases, however, has been less exploredin the projects managed from Brussels. HIV/AIDS, lymphaticfilariasis, epilepsy, diabetes and leprosy are all threats in manycountries, severely disabling those affected and often resultingin their social exclusion. “Diseases such as diabetes andhypertension are well-known in our region of the world.Developing countries are increasingly being affected by thesediseases but do not have appropriate systems for their treatment.Here, diabetes sufferers can have a good quality of life. This ismuch more difficult in our project countries,” explains VincentSlypen. In this instance, the expertise acquired throughprogrammes managed from France will be beneficial.

Strengthening its position in Belgium

Handicap International Belgium will go through the sametransitional process experienced by France two years ago, withthe creation of an operational platform under the Federationand a Belgium national association which will represent theorganisation in Belgium. “This will enable us to strengthen ourposition in Belgium and increase our presence at all levels, forexample, having greater contact with the networks of associationsand being represented in the country’s action groups and itsdifferent bodies and regions.” adds Vincent Slypen. He concludes:“In 2012, Handicap International will celebrate its thirtiethanniversary. Thirty years is the age of maturity. HandicapInternational Belgium will continue to work within a strongorganisation, with prospects for developing our support forpeople with disabilities and the most vulnerable throughout theworld.”

THEMES ¦

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Poliomyelitis is caused by a highly infectious virus. It is mainlytransmitted via the faecal-oral route following contact withcontaminated water or food. “About 95% of those infected donot even realise,” explains Didier Demey. “But, in 5% of cases,problems arise, with the appearance of flu-like symptoms, suchas stomach ache and fever. One per cent end up paralysed, but athird make a full recovery. The other two- thirds are left withmuscular paralysis or limb deformities; a small minority of this lastgroup may die, e.g. when the paralysis affects the respiratorymuscles.”

The epidemic in Congo-Brazzaville

Usually, most polio victims are children. During the epidemic inCongo-Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), this was not the case, asadolescents and young adults were the most affected. Persistentconflicts in the 1990s prevented many of them from beingvaccinated. In addition, the last polio epidemic occurred in 1969,meaning that they were never immunised as a result of previousinfections. Floods and inadequate hygiene – overcrowdedsleeping areas, shared toilets and water tanks – encouraged thespread of the virus.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 583 people,of which 90% are living in Pointe-Noire, presented symptoms.The death toll reached 203, which is an abnormally high figure.The same goes for the number of people who experiencedserious problems which, for the majority, resulted in disability.The reason for this may be the fact that the victims were mostlyyoung adults, in whom this disease has, on average, moreserious consequences than in children.

¦ PROVIDING AID¦ FOR POLIO VICTIMS

In October 2010, the poliomyelitis virus spreadacross Congo-Brazzaville. The number of peopleinfected rose rapidly, reaching a peak inNovember. In March 2011, a HandicapInternational team left for the city of Pointe-Noireto assist the victims of the epidemic. Sevenmonths later, the emergency aid project wasclosed. “We achieved excellent results with thisproject,” states Didier Demey, a specialist inemergency aid and rehabilitation.

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The organisation set up,in cooperation withlocal partners, a project basedon several components:physiotherapy in hospital settingsand at patients' homes,the distribution oforthopaedic devices,home alterations to make themaccessible, andpsychosocial support.

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With the support of the European Union, the LuxembourgMinistry of Foreign Affairs and WHO, Handicap Internationalbegan work in Congo-Brazzaville. The organisation set up, incooperation with local partners, a project based on severalcomponents: physiotherapy in hospital settings and at patients’homes, the distribution of orthopaedic devices, home alterationsto make them accessible, and psychosocial support.

“More people were assisted than expected”One of the victims assisted by Handicap International was atwenty-six-year-old mother of two, Délia Babéla. “The doctorsgave a pessimistic view of my situation. But, thanks to the work ofHandicap International's physiotherapists, orthopaedic specialistsand social workers, things are better,” she says. “I can sit downand, with my crutches, I manage to work a little.”

“Despite the fact that it was an emergency response operation,we were able to bring about one or two long-term changes,” saysDidier Demey. “The hospitals with which weworked have assuredus that the polio victims will continue to receive free treatment.And thanks to Handicap International, the people working thereare now trained,” he states.

Marine de Kerros, who worked on site to bring the project to asuccessful completion, also views the work accomplished assatisfactory. “With our tightly knit team, we were able to helpmore people than planned,” she concludes.

¦ PHYSIOTHERAPYFor victims of polio, it is important to start physiotherapy quickly, toalleviate pain in the initial stage of the disease, and to mitigate the after-effects. Through exercise, patients learn to move again and permanentafter-effects can be avoided. Handicap International openedrehabilitation centres in the hospitals A. Cissé and Tié Tié. Sixphysiotherapists received training focused on treating polio victims. Intotal, 193 people were assisted in hospitals through a programme ofindividual treatment.

Handicap International actively encouraged victims to presentthemselves, broadcasting radio and television announcements andpublishing articles in newspapers. “However, many patients haddi*culty getting to hospital,” explains Didier Demey. “That is why, in thebeginning, we reimbursed their travel costs. But this did not help a greatdeal as the roads are very bad. In the end, we ourselves organisedtransport to and from hospital, and this seemed to produce results.”

Handicap International's teams explained to patients what washappening to them and why the exercises were essential. “At thehospital, or during home visits, they were also taught how to continuetheir exercises at home. For us, it was helpful seeing people at home. Itmeant that we had a better understanding of the problems faced bypatients and we were then able to adapt our exercises at the hospital.”

¦ ORTHOPAEDIC DEVICESAt the Caritas Polio Centre, Handicap International specialists trainedtechnicians in the production of orthopaedic devices. Polio victimsreceived made-to-measure orthoses (rigid supports attached to thebody to correct postural deviations). Handicap International alsodistributed aids, such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, etc., to 102people. Sixty-two patients received follow-up care at home to teachthem how to best use their orthoses and walking aids.

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THEMES ¦

Between March and November 2011, Handicap International successfully ran an emergency aid project for poliovictims in Congo-Brazzaville. This project was based on four components: physiotherapy, the distribution of ortho-paedic devices, home alterations to make them accessible, and psychosocial support.

¦ EMERGENCY AID FOR POLIO VICTIMS

¦ ACCESSIBLE HOUSES“In addition, we improved the accessibility of some houses,” says DidierDemey. “O+en, only minor adaptations were needed: creating a slope infront of the house, lowering the bed, making changes to toilets andshowers, etc.” Fifty-four victims benefited from such home alterations.Handicap International also distributed information leaflets explaininghow people could adapt their own homes themselves.

¦ PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORTA social worker and a psychologist were recruited to provide counsellingfor patients. Therapy groups supported patients and their families, andhelped victims to better understand their disability and focus on theirfuture. The psychologist also held individual sessions with traumatisedpatients. There were 13 therapy groups, and 27 victims receivedindividual support. “We did not initially intend o)ering psychologicalsupport. But polio victims are suddenly faced with an o+en permanentdisability. They have no opportunity to prepare for it. What is more, theymust deal with exclusion from social life and are afraid of the negativeviews of others. That is why we also committed to providing counselling,”explains Didier Demey.

“At the end of our project, a few patients set up an organisation on theirown initiative. Together, they seek solutions to their problems andmaketheir voices heard. At their request, we helped them organisethemselves.”

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Figures concerning maternal and infant mortality are on adownward trend. In 2005, 530,000 women died as a result ofcomplications during pregnancy or child birth1, compared to380,000 in 20102 and, in 2008, 10 million children died before theage of five3, compared to 7.6 million in 20104. However, while wecan see a steep drop in maternal and child mortality, we still donot have sufficient data concerning disability in mothers andchildren. It is estimated that thirty women suffer disablingperinatal consequences to every death following a complication.We also know that the number of children with disabilities ishigh in regions where child mortality is high, although we areunable to provide precise figures due to the lack of reliable data.

1 ¦ OMS 2005 http://www.who.int/making_pregnancy_safer/topics/maternal_mortality/fr/index.html2 ¦ http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2010/maternal_mortality_20100915/en/index.html3 ¦ OMS http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/topics/prevention_care/child/fr/index.html4 ¦ UNICEF 2010 http://www.childinfo.org/mortality.html

HANDICAP INTERNATIONALIS RUNNING MOTHER AND CHILDHEALTH PROJECTS:

¦ IN BURUNDI «Les femmes de l’arrière-cour»: post-surgery care and follow-up of women with obstetricalfistulas.

¦ IN CAMBODIA «Happy Child»: providing training tohealthcare staff and traditional midwives in identifyingdisabilities in children and referring parents toappropriate facilities, early screening for disabilities,and raising awareness among healthcare operators andamong mothers and future mothers (hygiene andnutrition recommendations).

¦ IN R.D CONGO: Helping to implement the preventionand detection of disabilities in children under the ageof five in the primary healthcare system, and trainingof healthcare staff. Handicap International is currentlyworking in eight health districts in Kinshasa andalongside the authorities to extend these activitiesacross the country.

¦ IN PDR LAOS: Through the « First steps » project,Handicap International is working to promote anintegrated approach in the existing healthcare systemfor the prevention and early detection of disability andthe early treatment of children under the age of five whohave a disability or are at risk of developing one. Theorganisation initially worked to train healthcare staff inthese aspects. Handicap International also used theexperience acquired through its CBR project to workwithin communities in four districts of the province ofSavannakhet to identify children with disabilities, referthem to appropriate facilities and raise awarenessamong families and provide them with support.

¦ IN VIETNAM Welcome to Life: the aim of this project isto reduce child mortality and the incidence ofdisabilities and their consequences in infants andchildren. Children with disabilities are better integratedinto family life. Handicap International works inpartnership with provincial referral centres, districthospitals, community health centres and networks ofvillage volunteers to improve the training of healthcarestaff, ensure better care of pregnant women and identifydisabilities in children in a timely manner.

Congenital Differences : the project teams are workingtowards establishing a system for the prevention anddetection of congenital defects (spina bifida, hydro-cephalus, etc.) in children born in the province of ThuaThien-Huê, and the early treatment and follow-up careof these children.

In 2006, Handicap International launched its‘Welcome to Life’ project in Vietnam, with the aimof preventing the causes of disability in mothersand children and detecting disabilities in youngchildren at an early stage in order to refer them toappropriate facilities. When putting together its2008-2010 operational strategy, the organisationmade improving maternal and child health one ofits priorities, in line with Millennium Goals 4 and 5,which aim to reduce the number of deaths inmothers and children. This priority was confirmedin its strategy for 2011-2013.

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¦ MOTHER AND CHILD HEALTH¦ REMAINS A PRIORITY

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The results of three years’ work

Most organisations work on reducing deaths in mothers andchildren and few address the issue of maternal and child healthfrom the point of view of preventing the causes of disability andits early detection. Handicap International therefore decided totake action and address this need by providing the added-valueof its experience, particularly in the field of physicalrehabilitation and Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR). “Webegan working at several levels: the healthcare system, thecommunity and at national policy level,” explains MoniqueFerguson, an expert in maternal and child health at HandicapInternational headquarters in Brussels. “After three years, wehave seen significant progress, especially in healthcare capacity-building.We have particularly worked on developing the expertiseof staff in detecting disabilities and their early treatment andreferring children with disabilities to appropriate facilities. Wehave also helped improve the care of pregnant women anddisabled children by providing healthcare facilities with thenecessary equipment.”

Handicap International has also worked within communities toimprove skills among community officers and healthcare staffwho are in direct contact with families. It is important that thesefamilies receive prevention messages, e.g. concerning hygieneand nutrition, and also advice and assistance if a healthcareofficer identifies a child with a disability, and where necessary,are directed toward an appropriate facility. Nguyen Thi Kim Lienis the ‘Congenital Differences’ project coordinator in Thua Thien-Huê, Vietnam. She recounts her experience: “We sought to gaincontact with families who needed help. This was not easy. Manylive in poverty and could not pay for the transport to the healthcentre. An additional problemwas that some families did not wantour help because they were ashamed to have a disabled child.They felt guilty. Nevertheless, in three years, we have seen manychanges. Families are better informed and know where to findhelp, so more and more children are receiving the treatment theyneed.”

In addition to these local activities, the teams worked in thefield and within international bodies to ensure that the relevantauthorities and government departments, along with internationalorganisations, give greater consideration to maternal and childdisability. Indeed, since the adoption of the United NationsConvention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, anincreasing number of voices – including that of HandicapInternational – are being raised to demand the inclusion ofdisability in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). TheWorld Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest report on disabilitysupported these demands, highlighting the connection betweendisability, poverty and inaccessibility to healthcare.

”Since 2011, we have worked to improve on the actions carriedout so far. But we have specifically identified the need to offerwhat could be called an integrated services package,” addsMonique Ferguson. “Our maternal and child health projects aretherefore moving towards an approach that integrates functionalrehabilitation services and specialist care services.”

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*

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¦ OUR PROGRAMMES¦ IN THE WORLD ¦ EUROPE

I BELGIUMI BOSNIA AND

HERZEGOVINAI FRANCEI GERMANYI RUSSIAN FEDERATION

¦ MIDDLE EAST

I AFGHANISTANI EGYPTI IRAQI JORDAN KYRGYZSTANI LEBANONI PAKISTANI PALESTINIAN TERRITORIESI TAJIKISTANI YEMEN

AFRICA

I ALGERIAI ANGOLAI BENINI BURKINA FASOI BURUNDII CAPE VERDEI D.R. CONGOI ETHIOPIAI IVORY COASTI KENYAI LIBERIAI LIBYAI MADAGASCARI MALII MAURITANIAI MOROCCOI MOZAMBIQUEI NIGERI R. OF CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)I RWANDAI SENEGALI SIRRA LEONEI SOMALILAND/PUNTLANDI SOUTH SUDANI TANZANIAI TOGOI TUNISIAI UGANDA

ASIA

I BANGLADESHI CAMBODIAI CHINAI D.P.R. KOREAI INDIAI INDONESIAI LAO P.D.R.I NEPALI PHILIPPINESI SRI LANKAI THAILANDI VIETNAM

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Programmes operated by

Handicap International Belgium

Programmes operated by

Handicap International Federation

Programmes operated by Belgium

and Federation

Handicap International network

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LATIN AMERICA

I BOLIVIAI BRAZILI COLOMBIAI CUBAI HAITII NICARAGUA

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In 2011, Handicap International dedicateditself to community-based rehabilitation(CBR) in various Angolan provinces. Peoplewith disabilities were identified, informed ofthe options available to them and referredto the relevant services. This gave them anopportunity to integrate more successfullyinto their communities, both socially andeconomically. Handicap International involvedthe government and local partners, such asAPADV in Benguela, in this project. Further-more, over the last year it has workedintensively on the handover of this projectto the government and local organisations.

In 2011, Handicap International also providedsupport to associations for people with adisability. These associations have learnthow to better represent their members andto stand up for their rights. Through thisproject, the associations will take on a

greater role in civil society, the aim beingthat they learn to stand up for people withdisabilities completely independently. Inorder to achieve this, Handicap Internationalorganises, amongst other things, seminarson lobbying, carries out awareness cam-paigns, e.g. on the rights of women withdisabilities, and develops and distributestraining materials on disability.

Handicap International will close its Angolanoffices in 2012. The APADV and LARDEForganisations will continue the project insupport of associations for people withdisabilities. On behalf of Handicap Interna-tional, a consultant will make three visitsin the course of 2012 in order to evaluatethe progress of these activities.

Luanda

Huambo

HUAMBO

HUILA

NAMIBE

BENGUELA

Benguela

Lubango

Bibala

2011 was the final year in whichHandicap International wasphysically present in Angola. Theorganisation managed projectsfor rehabilitation within the localcommunity and to supportassociations for people withdisabilities. In addition, HandicapInternational continued to workon the handover of its projects tothe government and localorganisations.

¦ 01¦ ANGOLA

International staff: 4

National staff: 50

Budget: € 1.346.855

Principal donors:Belgian DevelopmentCooperation (DGD),Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs,European Union

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¦ 02¦ BENIN

Budget: € 20.360

Principal donors:Belgian DevelopmentCooperation (DGD)

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According to the World Health Organisation, Benin has amongst thehighest number of road traffic accidents in Africa. HandicapInternational therefore decided to apply its road safety experienceobtained in South East Asia to Benin. The organisation launched itsroad accident prevention project in Benin in 2010 and is supportingthe authorities and civil society in the implementation of the nationalroad safety action plan.

In 2011, Handicap International played a keyrole during Road Safety Week, coordinatedby its partner, the Benin NGO, Alinagnon.Several awareness campaigns took placeduring the week, alongside informationsessions and the distribution of helmets.For Benin, the week also served as thelaunch event for the United Nationsinitiative, Decade of Action for Road Safety.

Handicap International and its partners alsodeveloped a global ten-year action plan whichwas approved by the country's authorities.

In 2012, a workshop for strategic reflectionwill be held. The various partners of theproject will meet to examine the currentsituation as regards road traffic in Beninand to assess the achievements andproblems encountered during the implemen-tation of the ten-year action plan. This planwill be adapted according to the findingsof the workshop. Handicap Internationalwill also collaborate on the organisationof the 2012 Road Safety Week and willcontinue to work closely with the country’sauthorities.Porto-Novo

Cotonou

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Bujumbura Gitega

GITEGA

MAKAMBA

RUTANA

RUYIGI

Muyinga

MUYINGA

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Handicap International supports centres forphysical rehabilitation. Physiotherapists,orthopaedists and prosthesis manufacturerswere provided with on-site training and bymeans of an exchange programme. Trainingcourses were also organised to teachpeople how to manage the stocks in therehabilitation centres. In addition to this,Handicap International provided the centreswith materials to allow them to manufactureorthopaedic equipment. In collaboration withCaritas, plans were also made to establisha purchasing headquarters. This will makeit easier to purchase materials from Burundi.Handicap International ensured that patientsreceive financial support by means of asolidarity fund.

The project for rehabilitation in the localcommunity revolved around several mainprinciples. The community centre in Ruyigi,where the national rehabilitation centreorganises information sessions and consul-tations, was further developed in relationto infrastructure and operations. Families ofchildren with cerebral palsy received training.

Handicap International workers also visitedthese families every three months. Inaddition, teachers received training on theeducation of children with a disability.Officials were given training on disabilitiesand facilities for people with a disability.Consultations were held with localgovernment officials with regard to theaccessibility of the local infrastructures.Finally, within the project, organisations forpeople with a disability were encouragedto work together.

In 2011, Handicap International once againoffered its support to associations for peoplewith a disability from all over Burundi.Associations were helped to obtain therecognition of the authorities, maintain anaccounting system, organise activities fortheir members and establish specific services.They were also provided with practical meansof organising awareness-raising campaigns.The Network of Centres for People with aDisability also received financial operationalaid.

In Burundi, we also worked on improvedhealth for mothers. With this project,Handicap International dedicates itself tohelping mothers who have suffered fromobstetric fistula as a result of a difficultbirth. Consequences such as incontinencelead to these women being excluded fromtheir community. Therefore the organisationis also striving to improve their quality oflife, i.e. by encouraging them to undergo amedical intervention and by taking them tothe hospital, offering them physiotherapyand psychosocial support, handing outhygiene kits and running a helpline.

Handicap International is continuing itsprojects in Burundi during 2012, a year inwhich the training of technical personnel inrehabilitation centres will come to an end.In addition, a compilation of all the recentstudies of people with a disability inBurundi will be published.

¦ 03¦ BURUNDI

International staff: 6

National staff: 25

Budget: € 991.740

Principal donors:Belgian DevelopmentCooperation (DGD),European Union,Luxembourg Ministryof Foreign Affairs

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In Burundi, around 10 % of the population liveswith a disability. Handicap International hasalready been running projects there since 1992.The organisation concentrates on physicalrehabilitation, the health of mothers,rehabilitation in the local community andproviding support to associations for people witha disability.

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In Congo, many mothers and childrencontract illnesses or die due to a lack ofmedical care. This is why Handicap Inter-national is leading a project for improvedmother and child health. It has worked toprovide more efficient organisation of thelocal care structure, medical personnel havebeen trained, medical services providedwith materials and the community has beenactively involved in initiatives to preventand care for disabilities. As such, womenwere provided with guidance and supportduring their pregnancy and delivery.Children of up to five years of age weremonitored.

Since 2011, Handicap International hasbeen running a project for the treatment ofchildren with cerebral palsy. In order toaccomplish this, the organisation works incollaboration with the University Hospital ofKinshasa. Physiotherapists, doctors andpaediatricians have been trained in orderto better identify and treat cerebral palsy.

Within the scope of their education, traineeswere taught how to provide children withhome care.

Congolese children with a disability havelittle chance of going to school. HandicapInternational’s project for education forchildren with a disability means that thereare now two centres and twelve primaryschools providing inclusive education. Inaddition, Handicap International has workedin close collaboration with the authoritiesto integrate mixed education, for childrenwith and without a disability, in the nationaleducation system.

Finally, Handicap International offered aidto vulnerable people in the North Kivu warzone. The organisation was responsible forphysiotherapy in various hospitals. Hospitalswere provided with materials and physio-therapists were trained. Patients werevisited at home with the aid of mobilehospitals and, if necessary, referred. In

addition, Handicap International has orga-nised respiratory physiotherapy for malnou-rished children in therapeutic nutritioncentres in the region of Goma. The organi-sation also concentrated specifically onvictims of the conflict in East Congo.Handicap International provided for physio-therapy and orthopaedic care and workedon behalf of vulnerable people and peoplewith a disability. In this way, it has drawnthe attention of other humanitarian aidorganisations towards also making this aidaccessible for these people.

Handicap International is continuing withits projects in Kinshasa during 2012. Theorganisation is also considering concen-trating its efforts on the socio-economicintegration of people with a disability inthis region. Similarly, in North Kivu, HandicapInternational is continuing its activities. Inso doing, even greater focus will be placedon the strengthening of local partners.

Kinshasa

GomaNORD-KIVU

Handicap International started its activities in Congo in1995, following the outbreak of a polio epidemic there.The organisation now runs projects in two provinces.In Kinshasa, Handicap International concentrates on motherand child health and education for children with a disability.In North Kivu, help is given to vulnerable people who comeinto contact with the conflict in this region.

¦ 04¦ DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

International staff: 12

National staff: 78

Budget: € 2.215.984

Principal donors:AECID, Belgian National Lottery,Belgian Development Cooperation (DGD),Big Lottery Fund, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs,European Union, Luxembourg Ministryof Foreign Affairs, OFDA, UNICEF, UNMACC

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¦ 05¦ BOLIVIA

International staff: 1

National staff: 8

Budget: € 142.151

Principal donors:King Baudouin Foundation,Luxembourg Ministry ofForeign Affairs

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La Paz

Potosí

Bolivia has a population of justover 10 million. The exact numberof people with disabilities is notknown, but is estimated at 10%of the population. Despite thesignificant changes initiated in2005, Bolivia is still the poorestcountry in Latin America, with apoverty rate of 60%.

Handicap International began working inBolivia in 2011, implementing an inclusivelocal development project in the country'spoorest region, Potosí, in the south of thecountry. This region’s population lives inextreme poverty without access to basicservices. Bad roads and lack of transportfurther isolate rural areas. People withdisabilities are particularly vulnerable, witha lack of specialist services, a low level ofeducation, and almost no work opportu-nities, all in addition to the negative beliefssurrounding disability.

The inclusive local development project isbeing implemented in partnership with theBolivian NGO, Ayninakuna, and has threecomponents: health, education and capacitybuilding of disabled people's organisations.Within the framework of this project, anumber of activities have been initiated:training healthcare staff (doctors, nurses,traditional doctors and midwives, etc.) inidentifying and dealing with disabilities,treating and supporting disabled peoplewith the involvement of their families,raising awareness on the importance ofeducation for disabled children, buildingthe capacity of disabled people's organisa-tions, and more. After an initial phaseduring which Handicap International, withits partner, laid the foundations for theproject, specific activities began as fromearly July 2011.

In 2012, Handicap International plans toextend its work across the country after amunicipal- and regional-level pilot phase.Several opportunities to complement theexisting project have been put forward,such as adding a socio-economic integrationcomponent to combat the extreme povertyof people with disabilities, establishing apartnership with the Ministry of Health towork on disability prevention, removingphysical (alterations to facilities) and commu-nication (sign language) barriers, along withwork to change society's perception ofpeople with disabilities.

LATIN AMERICA

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¦ 06¦ COLOMBIA

International staff: 1

National staff: 20

Budget: € 681.626

Principal donors:AECID, Belgian DevelopmentCooperation (DGD), Belgian Ministryof Foreign Affairs (ConflictPrevention), European Union,German Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Luxembourg Ministry of ForeignAffairs

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Medellín

Bucaramenga

Cartagena

SincelejoCúcuta

Colombia continues to experience suffering at the handsof anti-personnel mines, with 31 departments out of 32affected, as a result of conflicts between various armedgroups and government forces. Handicap Internationalbegan working in this country in 1998 by supporting theREI foundation, an organisation specialised in therehabilitation of people with disabilities in Cartagena.

This project was completed in 2002, butmade it possible to lay the foundations forlaunching other operations: a community-based rehabilitation (CBR) project (2000), amine action project (2005) and, from 2007,a disabled people’s organisation (DPO)support project.

In 2011, the CBR project saw a new deve-lopment aimed at improving the socialparticipation of people with disabilities.Thirteen support groups working in thedepartments of Antioquia and Bolívar areworking to facilitate access to services,increase the participation of people withdisabilities and raise awareness among thecommunity in order to create an accessibleand inclusive environment that can fosterthe development of people with disabilities.

Handicap International continued to imple-ment its DPO support project, assisting tenColombian organisations and their advocacywork. Thanks to this support, the organi-sation can give greater visibility to the issue

of disability rights. As such, local insti-tutions, which are now better informed onthe issue, can consider including it in theirpolicies.

The mine action projects run by HandicapInternational in Colombia involve two keyareas of work. The first concerns mine victimassistance, ensuring that victims have accessto the help to which they are entitled. Thesecond component aims to strengthenpublic and private institutions in order toimprove the provision of services.

In 2012, the projects implemented willcontinue to evolve. For example, the CBRproject will gradually become an inclusivelocal development project promoting anaccessible society. The DPO support projectwill focus on three organisations, while themine action project will extend its workfrom six to ten departments.

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Cuba has a population of 11 million, 3.26% ofwhom have disabilities. The country has notescaped the global economic crisis and hashad to adopt economic measures which havealso had an impact on people with disabilities.Handicap International’s cooperation in Cubabegan in 1998 with support for prosthesisproduction.

Havana

PINAR DEL RIO

GRANMA

HOLGUIN

In 2001, the first experiment in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) was implementedin the province of Granma. In 2007, thiswas extended to the province of Pinar delRío and, in 2008, to that of Holguín. In2005, Handicap International also enteredinto a partnership with the Cuban Ministryof Education to improve the inclusion ofchildren with disabilities in schools. Since2008, Handicap International has also workedto support and strengthen organisationsrepresenting people with disabilities.

In 2011, Handicap International continuedits CBR project in the provinces of Pinar delRío and Holguín. Each province coversspecific aspects directly benefiting 3,758disabled people. In 2011, in addition tosupporting people with intellectual disabi-lities and their families, and the inclusiveeducation component, the organisation andits partners focused on the vocational

training of young people with intellectualdisabilities. In the province of Holguín, theCBR teams continued and developed theiractivities with the aim of removing physicaland communication barriers and prejudice:sign language and Braille writing lessons,awareness-raising, etc. In 2011, the projectwas extended to the capital of the province,Holguín.

Work to strengthen the role of organisationsrepresenting people with disabilities –ACLIFIM, ANCI and ANSOC – also continuedin 2011. During that year, greater focus wasgiven to the socio-economic integration ofpeople with disabilities. The project helpsequip adult training centres and diversifyvocational training in vocational and specialschools. It also helps deaf-blind peopleadjust to daily life and supports thecreation of inclusive cultural and sportsfacilities.

In 2012, Handicap International's objectivein Cuba is to boost Cuban initiatives aimedat building a more inclusive society.Handicap International will also strive tosupport disabled people through the processof employment restructuring, one of theconsequences of the economic crisis, withthe aim of ensuring equal job opportunitiesfor people with disabilities and ofdemonstrating their productive capacity.The association will also consolidate itscommunity work, especially with families ofpeople diagnosed with severe mentalretardation, and will start work to assistyoung autistic people. Supporting disabledpeople's organisations will naturally continueto be a major challenge.

¦ 07¦ CUBA

International staff: 1

National staff: 3 financed by our partners to supportHandicap International, plus the project teams, alsofinanced by local partners.

Budget: € 536.791

Principal donors:Belgian Development Cooperation (DGD),City of Luxembourg, European Union,Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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¦ 08¦ HAITI

International staff: 8

National staff: 75

Budget: € 1.362.186

Principal donors:Consortium 12-12

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Port-au-Prince

Cap-Haïtien

Gonaïves

Petit Goâve

Jacmel

In 2011, the teams continued this reha-bilitation work until the end of September,when the hospital closed. In addition tophysiotherapy and the provision of ortho-paedic appliances, work was also carriedout to prepare the return home of patients,with a functional rehabilitation centre and acommunity village, where people withdisabilities were involved in managingcollective tasks and had the opportunity todevelop their capabilities. An ergotherapistalso visited patients at home and madeprovisions for adaptations to be made toease day-to-day living.

Taking into account the need for peoplewith disabilities to have access to anincome to rebuild lives of some autonomy,the organisation launched a socio-economicintegration project to create individual

income-generating activities. The organisa-tion also raised awareness among companyleaders to promote the training andintegration of people with disabilities withinmajor local companies. We also built on thecapacities of local associations working inthe socio-economic field. Here again, anergotherapist provided expertise in adaptingposts and work sites to the disabilities ofthe people concerned.

Handicap International also participated ina study conducted in cooperation with theBrazilian NGO, Viva Rio, on the connectionbetween armed violence and disability. Thisstudy, begun in September 2011, should becompleted by the beginning of 2012, andcompares the situation in several countries,including Haiti. These conclusions will bepublished in the second half of 2012.

In October 2011, management of the projectsimplemented by the Belgian section ofHandicap International was taken over bythe Handicap International Federation.

For 2012, Handicap International has threekey objectives. The first is to ensure thatthe basic needs of vulnerable people,particularly those affected by the earth-quake of 12 January 2010, have been fullycovered, and to set up facilities that willhelp reduce the human impact of possiblefuture natural disasters. The second involvesenhancing the capacities of Haitians to dealwith and integrate people with disabilitiesinto socio-economic, local developmentand protection activities. The third objectiveis to continue efforts made in the field ofrehabilitation by providing this sector witha sustainable structure.

Following the earthquake on 12 January 2010, a large number of Haitians continue to depend onhumanitarian aid, and more than 500,000 of them are still waiting to be re-housed. The day following thedisaster, and during its first year of work in the country, Handicap International Belgium focused ontreating those injured during the earthquake. Thus, a team worked to deliver physiotherapy andorthopaedic care, then to set up rehabilitation projects in Sarthe hospital, a surgical and post-surgicalreferral centre in Port-au-Prince.

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Phnom Penh

Battambang

Takeo

Siem Reap

Banteay MeancheyPREAH VIHEAR

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¦ 09¦ CAMBODIA

International staff: 4

National staff: 116

Budget: € 1.367.695

Principal donors:AECID, AusAID, Australian Red Cross, Belgian DevelopmentCooperation (DGD), Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs(Conflict Prevention), Cambodian Ministry of Education,Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSVY),European Union, Global Road Safety Partnership,Half Marathon Committee, IRTAD, IUHPE, Johns HopkinsBloomberg School of Public Health, Luxembourg Ministryof Foreign Affairs, Olympus KeyMed, UNICEF,Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde, World Bank

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Unexploded armaments such as landminesand cluster bombs are still a major hazardin Cambodia. Half of the casualties are undereighteen years of age. In 2010 and 2011,Handicap International cleared around 60villages in three provinces, contaminated bycluster munitions.

Handicap International is also concentratingon road safety with a diverse range ofprojects. Handicap International offered thegovernment support in 2011, includingsupport for the implementation of a nationalplan of action for road safety (which theorganisation had previously worked on) andin making traffic laws enforceable. LocalNGOs fighting for safer roads were alsoprovided with assistance. Handicap Interna-tional followed up on its project to collectand distribute information on road safety.In the meantime, this project has beenhanded over to the government.

In 2011, Handicap International transferredthe control of its physical rehabilitationprojects in centres in Siem Reap and Takeoto the government. Through the HappyChild project, Handicap International isworking to improve mother and child health.In the past year, the organisation once againdeveloped courses and training materialsfor medical personnel and volunteers. Therewere also awareness-raising sessions forpregnant women and young mothers. Aspart of this project, Handicap International

worked closely with the government, otherNGOs and local partners. With the DisabilityPrevalence project, the organisation alsocarried out a data study into disabilityamongst children.

The organisation fights for the rights ofpeople with disabilities. In 2011, HandicapInternational continued to support theCambodian Disabled People’s Organization.Handicap International also lobbies thegovernment for better protection of therights of people with disabilities and toratify the UN Convention on the Rights ofPersons with Disabilities.

Handicap International is continuing itsprojects in 2012. With regard to road safety,greater attention will be paid to researchand data collection and supporting nationalnetworks in learning how to lobby for saferroads. The rehabilitation centre in SiemReap continues to receive financial aid.National organisations for people with adisability will learn how to implementHandicap International’s lobbying strategies.

Nearly thirty years ago,Cambodia was HandicapInternational’s first projectcountry. The organisation startedoff with anti-landmine campaignsand the physical rehabilitation oflandmine victims. Nowadays,Handicap International alsofocuses on mother and childhealth, road safety and the rightsof disabled people.

ASIA

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Beijing

Shigatse

TIBET

ChamdoSICHUAN

NanningGUANGXI

Lhassa

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¦ 10¦ CHINA

International staff: 6

National staff: 50

Budget: € 1.547.059

Principal donors:Belgian Development Cooperation(DGD), Brussels Capital Region,Canada Fund, Dr. Gustav KraußKrankenhaus Foundation,EDF China, European Union,First State Investments,French Embassy in China,French Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Gertrude Hirzel Foundation,Luxembourg Ministry of ForeignAffairs, Kadoorie CharitableFoundation, Partnerships forCommunity Development (PCD),Sanofi Aventis

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These physical rehabilitation projects havemeant that countless people can onceagain live independently in spite of theirdisabilities. In 2011, Handicap Internationalran courses in physiotherapy and ortho-paedics and the organisation continued towork on behalf of the victims of the 2008and 2010 earthquakes. Finally, it worked onthe provision of specific training courses fororphanage staff so that they could learnhow to better look after children withdisabilities.

Handicap International has projects invarious regions of China which promote thesocial integration of disabled people. For animproved integration within the community,the organisation encouraged people withdisabilities to participate in self-help groupsand local decision-making bodies. Thepeople responsible locally were also trainedin adapting the homes of those with disa-bilities and they were visited by physio-therapists. People with disabilities andthose around them also received trainingon disabilities and the special servicesavailable to them.

Handicap International has also worked onthe integration of education in China.Children with disabilities were given theopportunity of going to special or regularschools and teachers were provided withspecial training. Through its economicintegration projects, Handicap Internationalhas improved the standard of living ofpeople with disabilities. Some receivedfinancial support so that they could start upa vocational activity, while others followedcourses or traineeships. Finally, the organi-sation ran a project to ensure better socialprotection and working conditions for peoplewith disabilities.

Handicap International provided support toassociations for people with a disability in anumber of regions. There were courses aimedat improving the administration of thoseorganisations and technical training ondisability was also provided. The organisationrepresented the rights of disabled people,via lobbying work for better social security,modified services and the equal treatmentof people with disabilities. HandicapInternational took part in national andinternational conferences and ran campaigns,including an exhibition in Beijing.

In 2012, Handicap International will continuealmost all of its existing projects. The aidthe organisation provided to the YDPF(Yushu Disabled Person’s Federation) andthe local health agency following theearthquake in Yushu in 2010 will, however,come to an end. Handicap International islooking for the means to set up a projectfor mother and child health in this region.

Handicap International hasbeen working in China for overthirteen years. Working alongsidethe government and localassociations, the organisationsupports the most vulnerablegroups in in Beijing, Guangxi,Quinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and inthe Tibet A.R. The organisationleads projects for the physicalrehabilitation and socialintegration of people withdisabilities. In addition to this,Handicap International supportsassociations of people withdisabilities and defends theirrights before the government.

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¦ 11¦ DPR KOREA

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Handicap International began working in DPR Korea in1998 at the request of the Korean Federation for theProtection of Persons with Disabilities (KFPD).

The various projects implemented include,in particular, the orthopaedic workshopsupport project in Hamhung. Since 2004,the KFPD and Handicap International havealso cooperated in the field of sensorydisability. After more than ten years workingalongside KFPD, Handicap International’srole has shifted towards providing insti-tutional support, with the organisationgradually withdrawing from the directimplementation of projects. In 2005, withhumanitarian projects now coming underthe European Union Programme Support(EUPS) system, the Korean governmentannounced that the country no longerneeded international aid. Handicap Interna-tional was able to continue its activitiesthrough Unit 7, a structure under thesupervision of the EUPS, and to maintainits relations with the KFPD.

In 2011, Handicap International continued tosupport the KFPD, which has been workingsince 2008 to diversify its activities, whichpreviously focused on rehabilitation. Han-dicap International assists the KFPD withdeveloping and implementing its operatio-nal strategy. The organisation also supportsits partner in coordinating with the variousministries in order to improve and extendservices in the fields of physicalrehabilitation and education of people withdisabilities. Handicap International alsohelps the KFPD find sources of funding forthe implementation of its projects and toachieve financial sustainability, particularlythrough the KFPD office in Beijing. Thisoffice opened in 2009 and is the base for

two KFPD representatives who work incoordination with Handicap International.

Handicap International has been workingfor some time at the orthopaedic centre inHamhung, with the aim of improvingphysicalrehabilitation services. In 2011, the organi-sation continued its withdrawal from thecountry which began in 2010. Several visitsby specialists have been carried out inorder to identify new avenues of support(ad hoc technical training, identifyingdonors for the procurement of orthopaedicconsumables, etc.). Handicap Internationalsupported several other facilities in 2011,such as the Dockchon coal mine hospitaland the Tongrim sanatorium for the elderlyand disabled. Support of the PyongyangRehabilitation Unit came to an end at theend of 2011.

Handicap International, again in partnershipwith the KFPD, is also working for adaptededucation, particularly via a pilot project inWonsan, Kangwon Province. The long-termobjective is to push special educationschools toward a more inclusive environmentand to include these same schools in themainstream system.

The cooperation between Handicap Interna-tional and the KFPD should continue until atleast 2014. Ensuring the financial sustaina-bility of the KFPD remains a challenge.Handicap International would also like tosupport the KFPD in its goal to developprojects in the field of socio-economicinclusion for people with disabilities.

Pyong Yang

HamhungTongrim

Dokchon

Wonsan

© M. ABORD-HUGON - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL© J-P SCHEPENS - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

International staff: 2

National staff: 8(provided by the KFPD and the KoreanMinistry of Foreign Affairs)

Budget: € 751.891

Principal donors:Belgian Development Cooperation (DGD),Dutch Embassy in Republic of Korea,European Union, SIDA, Swiss Agency forDevelopment and Cooperation (SDC)

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ACTIVITY REPORT 2011 ¦ HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

¦ 12¦ LAO PDR

International staff: 8

National staff: 109

Budget: € 1.639.828

Principal donors:ADA, AFD, AUSAID, Belgian DevelopmentCooperation (DGD), European Union,ICBL-CMC, Luxembourg Ministry of ForeignAffairs, UNICEF, USAID, World Bank

¦¦

Vientiane

Savannakhet

Xepon

Despite significant economic growth, Lao PDR remains one of theworld's least-developed countries, with a high level of malnutrition andfood insecurity throughout the country and a significant disparitybetween urban and rural areas in terms of access to healthcare. It isstill the world's most UXO (unexploded ordnance)-contaminatedcountry with nearly 80 million UXOs, which continue to represent athreat to the people of Laos. Handicap International carried out its firstprojects in the country in 1996 to address this threat.

In 2011, road safety was one of the areas ofwork prioritised by Handicap International.As such, the organisation implemented theNational Road Safety Action Plan, mainlytargeted at disadvantaged users (pedestrians,two-wheel vehicle users and tractor drivers)in Vientiane, the capital, and on Road No.9 running between the city of Savannakhetand the Vietnamese border. Handicap Inter-national raised awareness on drink-driving,helmet-wearing, etc. among the generalpublic, in schools and in private companies.

With its maternal and child health project,entitled “First Steps”, the organisation firstworked to improve the health system tomeet the needs of disabled children, andfocused on training health staff, particularlyin disability prevention and detection.

Throughout 2011, the organisation alsosupported the Lao Disabled People Asso-ciation (LDPA) in its work to promote therights of people with disabilities. Althoughthe country has ratified the Convention onthe Rights of Persons with Disabilities, thishas not yet led to the implementation ofpractical measures. Handicap International istherefore working with the LDPA at severallevels, supporting the national authoritiesto implement the Convention, and raisingawareness among village leaders to promotethe participation of disabled people incommunity life.

In 2011, Handicap International alsocontinued its cooperation with the LDPA ona specific project to improve access toemployment for people with disabilities.The job centre continued to put potentialemployers in contact with disabled job-seekers. The project also includes acomponent to help people with disabilitieslaunch their own income-generating activity.

Handicap International continued its workto address the threat of UXO by working inthree of the most contaminated districts inthe province of Savannakhet: Xepon, Nongand Villabully. In addition to removing UXOsand raising public awareness, HandicapInternational worked with the National regu-latory authority (NRA) to enhance the impactof mine-clearance activities. The Ban Advo-cates group continued its advocacy work,begun in 2010, at community, national andinternational level.

In 2012, Handicap International will continueits activities. The projects implemented in2011 will be strengthened or adapted in linewith the findings of internal and externalassessments. The maternal and child healthproject, for example, will have a newcomponent working within communitiesthemselves.

© S. BOZADA - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

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Ho Chi Minh

Hanoï

HuéDa Nang

Nha Trang

29 ¦HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL ¦ ACTIVITY REPORT 2011

¦ 13¦ VIETNAM

International stuff: 3

National staff: 16

Budget: € 943.436

Principal donors:Anova Seafood BV, Belgian Develop-ment Cooperation (DGD), Childrenfor a Better World, European Union,Kadoorie Charitable Foundation,Livability Ireland, Luxembourg Ministryof Foreign Affairs, Martin Iversen,Province of Limburg, WallonieBruxelles International (WBI)

¦¦

Handicap International has been working in Vietnamsince 1991. The organisation runs projects for physicalrehabilitation, mother and child health, road safety,the economic integration of the disabled, educationfor disabled children and guidance for HIV patients.Handicap International works in close collaborationwith local partners and government, thus ensuringthat its projects have a long-lasting impact. Since2011, all projects in Vietnam are run from Belgium;previously, they were also organised from France.

In Vietnam, Handicap International is dedi-cated to the physical rehabilitation andsocial integration of spinal cord injurypatients. In recent years, the organisation hasset up specialised hospitals, trained staffand cared for patients at home throughoutthe country. In 2011, the decision was takento improve access to healthcare for spinalcord injury patients in certain isolatedminority groups.

Handicap International leads two projectsfor better mother and child health. TheCongenital Differences project is implemen-ted by a local partner and focuses onprevention, early detection and the timelytreatment of disabilities amongst children.Prior to this, Handicap International organisedtraining courses and awareness campaignsand supplied materials to hospitals andhealth centres. The Welcome to Life projecttrains medical staff on how to prevent thedevelopment of disability during pregnancy

and delivery. Furthermore, young disabledchildren were monitored and work wasundertaken to enable their integration intothe community.

Vietnam is one of the Southeast Asiancountries in which traffic has increasedmassively. The result of this is an ever-increasing number of traffic accidents. This iswhy Handicap International aims to increaseroad safety through a pilot project. This hasinvolved awareness campaigns for the widerpublic as well as in schools, first aid fortraffic accident victims and training courseson traffic law.

Handicap International is also workingtowards the economic integration of peoplewith a disability in Vietnam. For example,the organisation offers training in order topromote employment opportunities andsocial protection, and mediates betweenemployers and employees. Furthermore, Han-

dicap International has organised educationfor children with a disability. Teaching staffhave been trained, schools have receivedtailored teaching material and disabledchildren have been encouraged to take partin extra-curricular activities.

Finally, Handicap International has a projectto support HIV patients. After all, HIV canlead to disability and social exclusion. Thisproject involved organising preventioncampaigns and lending socio-economicsupport to patients.

Handicap International is continuing itsprojects in Vietnam in 2012. Various projectsare awaiting evaluation before a new phaseis commenced.

© D. WRIGHT - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

© D. WRIGHT - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

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¦ 14¦ IRAQI KURDISTAN

KORD staff: 47

Budget:managed in partnership with HIB: € 166.239managed by the partner: € 229.712Principal donors:managed in partnership with HIB:Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

managed in partnership with HI Luxembourg:Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs

managed by the partner: GDMA (GeneralDirectorate of Mine Action), UNDP (UnitedNations Development Programme)

¦¦

Suleymanyah Halabajah

This project involved two centres, one inSulaymaniyah (opened in 1991) and theother in Halabja (opened in 1998), and theirsatellite units in the towns of Kalar, Ranyaand Penjwin. In addition, in 1999, theassociation launched small-scale activitiesproviding socio-economic assistance andsupport for disabled people's organisationsin response to the lack of legal protectionfor people with disabilities and to theirlimited access to education, health, employ-ment and income in comparison to the restof the population.

In October 2004, these activities were natio-nalised through the creation of a nationalorganisation, Kurdistan Organisation forRehabilitation of the Disabled (KORD). SinceJanuary 2005, this organisation has imple-mented Handicap International's formerprogramme in its entirety. Handicap Inter-national has continued to work with KORD,adapting its support to the changing orga-nisation and providing resources from withinthe Handicap International network inBelgium, Luxembourg and France. HandicapInternational has committed to supportingthe NGO at least until the end of 2013 in

order to enhance its capacity in the fields inwhich it works, such as physical rehabilita-tion, socio-economic integration and supportfor disabled people’s organisations. HandicapInternational also assists KORD in balancingits finances and helps the NGO to develop astrategic plan and improve its managementcapacity. In 2011, a short support missionwas carried out to this end.

In 2011, KORD was able to produce more than600 new orthopaedic devices (prosthesesand orthoses) and repair more than 1,500,and it also supplied more than 4,200 otherwalking aids (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.).More than 13,000 patients are currentlyregistered at the physical rehabilitationcentres managed by the organisation. Athird of these are victims of anti-personnelmines or other explosive remnants of war.The NGO also helped 320 disabled peopleto develop an income-generating activity.

Over the course of the last few years, KORDhas acquired real expertise. The organisationis now capable of operating autonomouslyand of influencing the national debateconcerning its work.

In 2011, Handicap International continued itswork to increase the sustainable potentialof the organisation and the services itprovides, making progress on several aspectsconcerning the NGO's autonomy and viability,even though the situation remains fragile,particularly in terms of its financial viabilityand the diversification of its activities.

In 2012, Handicap International will continueto support KORD in order to meet the majorchallenges facing the organisation over thenext two years, such as diversifying itssocio-economic integration work, reinforcingits middle management, improving thesustainability of the rehabilitation centreswith greater support from the country'sMinistry of Health and, of course, securingits national and international sources offunding over the long term.

MIDDLE EAST

Faced with the high number of people disabled as a result of the manyconflicts that have plagued the region since the 1980s, HandicapInternational gradually built up, between 1991 and 2004, a physicalrehabilitation project in the governorate of Sulaymaniyah.

© X. BOURGOIS - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

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Advocacy against mines andcluster munitions

The Handicap International Policy Unitcarries out, from Brussels, advocacy againstanti-personnel mines and cluster munitions.

In the field of research, Handicap Interna-tional published a study on mine victimassistance, ‘Victim Assistance in Cambodia,The Human Face of Survivors and their Needsfor Assistance’ at the end of November. Thisstudy was presented at the Conference ofSignatory States to the Mine Ban Treaty, heldin Cambodia in December 2011. It highlightsthe need for more targeted victim assistancethat gives greater consideration to thecircumstances of each individual and to theresources at their disposal thanks to theirfamily and friends and their personalattributes.

The Policy Unit focused first and foremost,however, on a study on the relationship

between armed violence and disability.Armed violence, the devastating conse-quences of which have been the subject ofalarming studies and a major internationalmovement, is still under-documented as faras its impact on the daily lives of survivorsis concerned. It is also an area of work thatHandicap International has not yet fullytackled. We therefore conducted researchon this issue in four particularly hard-hitcountries, i.e. Colombia, Haiti, Uganda andPakistan. The outcome of this research,which will be published in 2012, should actas a catalyst for advocacy and moretargeted action.

2011 was also the final year in whichHandicap International coordinated the victimassistance component for the LandmineMonitor. The team coordinated by theorganisation will now join the ICBL-CMC1.

After the expectancy created by the signingof the Convention on Cluster Munitions andits coming into force in the previous years, itmight be expected that the Ban Advocates2

group would be less active. While it stillparticipates in international conferences, italso supports national campaigns. Thisproject continues to be appreciated by thestates which acknowledge the strength ofmessages delivered in person by the victimsof cluster munitions. The presence of theBan Advocates group remains crucial to thetreaty's effective and rapid implementation.

EUROPE

¦ BELGIUM15¦¦

¦¦

Staff: 13

Budget: € 542.984

Principal donors:Belgian Development Cooperation(DGD), Belgian Ministry of ForeignAffairs (Conflict Prevention),European Union, Government ofFlanders (Belgium), NorwegianMinistry of Foreign Affairs,Wallonie Bruxelles International(WBI)

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© D. VUCKOVIC - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

1 ¦ ICBL: International Campaign to Ban Landmines; CMC: ClusterMunitions Coalition. These two campaigns merged in 2011.

2 ¦ Ban Advocates: a group that brings together direct and indirectvictims of cluster munitions..

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32 ¦ ACTIVITY REPORT 2011 ¦ HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

Handicap International also continued itsadvocacy work. In particular, the Policy Unitrevamped its newsletter, making it easier toread. As a founding member of the ICBL-CMC coalition, Handicap International isclosely following the implementation of thetwo treaties, particularly anything to do withvictim assistance, a topic which, given itshistory, naturally concerns the organisation.

Activities in Belgium

Handicap International not only works in thesouthern hemisphere to help disabled andvulnerable people in emergency situations.The organisation also ensures that theBelgian public has a better understandingof the problems that people are faced with,which is why Handicap International isinvolved in development education inBelgium and organises various actions andevents.

In the past, the development educationteam developed the “Disability and Interna-tional Solidarity” handbook. In 2011, thishandbook was once again distributedamongst teachers. There were also work-shops in relation to the Scars of War

exhibition and as part of the “SolidarityOrganisations” Project. This exchangeproject strengthens the links betweenorganisations for people with disabilities inthe southern hemisphere and in Belgium.The Belgian organisations Horizon 2000,Décalage and Passe Muraille participatedin workshops on development cooperation,living with a disability in the southernhemisphere and interculturality. Two membersof the Lao Disabled People’s Association inLaos came to Belgium to better understandhow Passe Muraille operates and learnedabout the opportunities available todisabled people on the Belgian job market.

Every year, the Bricoleur du Coeur compe-tition rewards people who come up withinventions that facilitate the daily lives ofpeople with disabilities. The 2011 winner,Ann, came up with the idea of an adaptedhammock in which her son with cerebralpalsy could lie comfortably. Ideas like thisare rewarded and circulated so that theycan make a difference to many otherpeople.

In late 2011, around the time of the Inter-national Day of Persons with Disabilities,Solidanza took place for the third time.

Young and old, people with and withoutdisabilities, experienced dancers andbeginners alike all took to the dance floorto support Handicap International. In 2011,this took place in three locations: in part-nership with Europalia in Bozar, Brussels,Vooruit in Ghent and the Théâtre de Namur.

Scars of War is an exhibition run byHandicap International and In Flanders FieldsMuseum, sponsored by the Flemish Agencyfor International Cooperation. The exhibitionexamines the link between the impact ofunexploded arms from the First World Warand from conflicts elsewhere in the world,where landmines and cluster bombs wereand are still being used. Tim Dirven wentto the Westhoek region and Laos. GaëlTurine and John Vinck visited Cambodia,Colombia and Ethiopia. Other photos arefrom the archives of the In Flanders FieldsMuseum. In 2011, this exhibition was onshow in Ypres, Leopoldsburg, Bruges, Genkand Halle.

¦¦

© P. DE VUYST - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL© P. DE VUYST - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

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In October 2010, a particularlyvirulent poliomyelitis epidemicbroke out in the region ofPointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.This new outbreak of the virusoccurred just as the authoritieswere preparing to declare thecountry free of the disease. Theepidemic was considered asatypical by specialists, with ahigh mortality rate (35%) amongits victims and severe disablingconsequences. It also affectedyoung adults, whereas,generally, it strikes children.

This was not the first time that HandicapInternational had provided assistance follo-wing an epidemic of poliomyelitis. This wasthe case in Mbuji Mayi (DR of Congo) in1995. The organisation is well aware thatprompt treatment for patients, with specificphysiotherapy and appliances, helps limitthe disabling consequences of the disease.

Handicap International worked on threelines of action: physiotherapy, orthopaedicsand appliances, and ergotherapy and acces-sibility, in cooperation with the A. Cissé andTié Tié hospitals, the Caritas polio centre andthe Direction Départementale des AffairesSociales (regional department of socialaffairs).

In the field of physiotherapy and ortho-paedics, the expatriate team trained itslocal counterparts on how to treat peoplesuffering from the consequences of polio-myelitis. These patients received physio-therapy and, when necessary, an appropriateappliance (orthosis or splint) to help themregain a certain amount of mobility andavoid irreversible deformities. HandicapInternational also supplied walking aids,

such as wheelchairs, walkers and crutches.The organisation strove to provide anadapted response, organising home-to-hospital transport for patients, running amobile clinic and offering counselling.

The teams in charge of the last componentof the programme, accessibility, worked toimprove accessibility at home and givepatients greater autonomy: creating ramps,support bars, access to toilets, etc. Theyalso offered cheap and easy advice onimproving mobility at home, such as raisingthe height of the bed.

Handicap International is satisfied with theresults of the project. Thanks to awareness-raising efforts, the teams were able to reachmore people than expected, helping tosignificantly limit the consequences of thedisease. The project was closed in October2011.

¦ REPUBLIC OF CONGO

International staff: 6

National staff: 25

Budget: € 361.254

Principal donors:ECHO, Luxembourg Ministryof Foreign Affairs, World HealthOrganisation

16¦¦

EMERGENCY

© N. FERRAND - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL© N. FERRAND - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

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34 ¦

Handicap International worked in Ivory Coast until2009, when the organisation handed over full controlof the last rehabilitation centre still under itsmanagement to its Ivory Coast partner, Vivre Debout.At the end of 2010, the results of the presidentialelections were disputed by the outgoing president,Laurent Gbagbo. Violent fighting between LaurentGbagbo supporters and those of Alassane Ouattara,the elected president, broke out across the country.Ending in April 2011, the violence resulted in a massiveinflux of gunshot victims into hospitals. Médecins sansFrontières decided to call upon the expertise ofHandicap International to provide early rehabilitationservices in order to prevent disabling complications forthose hospitalised.

Six expatriate physiotherapists workedsuccessively over six months to treatpatients, provide follow-up care, supporttheir return home and, if necessary, referthem to other services, such as medical,orthopaedic or social services. They initiallyworked at the Nana Yamousso hospitalbefore the service was transferred to PortBouet.

In addition to patient treatment, HandicapInternational prepared information leafletsfor patients and training materials formedical staff. It was also interesting to seethe cooperation that was possible with thefacilities which had been supported by theorganisation a few years earlier, such as theappliance centre, Vivre Debout, whereamputees could be sent to be fitted withprostheses.

This project, which started in April 2011, wasclosed in September 2011.

¦ IVORY COAST

International staff: 6

Budget: All expenses linked to thisproject were engaged by Doctorswithout Borders

17¦¦

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FINANCIAL REPORT ¦ P.35 � P.40

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36 ¦ ACTIVITY REPORT 2011 ¦ HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

¦ FINANCIAL REPORT¦ 2011

Resultat

The result for the 2011 financial year is € 1,445,208.17.This outstanding result is largely due to a legacy of€ 1,032,000. In addition, a considerable sum wascollected thanks to Consortium 12-12. Furthermore, anumber of risks have disappeared, which has made itpossible for the provisions to be withdrawn. Finally, theongoing support of institutional donors, particularlygovernments, has also contributed to the positive result.

Expenditure

In comparison to 2010, expenditure has fallen slightlyto € 18,741,924.42, which is partly due to the fact thatfewer provisions were created and a technical correctionwas made for the entry of exchange-rate variations. Thecost of fundraising has also dropped. Expenditure foron-site activities remained the same.

Revenue

The most important sources of revenue can be brokendown into the following three categories:

� Revenue from governments: public funds, e.g. fromthe European Union and the Directorate-General ofDevelopment Cooperation (DGDC).

� Private revenue: private funds, e.g. from foundations,large companies and other NGOs.

� Revenue generated by fundraising: privately genera-ted funds, e.g. the returns on direct mailshots,fundraising activities for emergency aid and eventssuch as Solidanza.

Revenue in 2011 was € 20,187,132.59. Handicap Inter-national received fewer institutional funds than in 2010,but this was offset by an increase in revenue fromConsortium 12-12. The financial crisis resulted in a fallin revenue from traditional fundraising activities, withthe exception of donations.

¦¦

¦¦

¦¦

EXPENDITURE PER TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Support to disabledpeople organisation_26 %

Rehabilitation_18 %

Community-basedrehabilitation _26 %

Socio-economicintegration_3 %

Mother andchild health_16 %

Road Safety_7 %

Inclusive education_4%

EXPENDITURE PER TYPE OF ACTIVITY

Development_62 %

Emergency_29 %

Mines_9 %

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EXPENDITURES & INCOMES ¦

37 ¦HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL ¦ ACTIVITY REPORT 2011

EXPENDITURES 2011 2010

Programme realisation 15.824.102 15.488.266

PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION 13.850.598 13.666.321

Investments 1.077.301 1.050.552

Material andconsumables 464.797 624.096

Other external expenses and costs 3.859.689 4.142.311

Taxes 37.085 52.034

Personnel costs 5.505.340 5.968.877

Partnerships andother expenses 2.724.225 1.402.452

Various implementation expenses 182.161 425.999

TECHNICAL SUPPORT 1.973.504 1.821.945

Programme management 831.882 893.546

Specialised services 1.141.622 928.399

Lobbying and Education 542.984 809.188

Lobbying 446.207 634.045

Education 96.777 175.142

Fundraising 1.603.472 1.784.913

Appeal & management of donationsand sponsorship 1.212.310 1.354.801

Communication & events 391.162 430.111

General services 654.154 616.857

Charges 117.212 411.840

TOTAL EXPENDITURES 18.741.924 19.111.063

INCOMES 2011 2010

Public financing 10.999.996 13.007.276

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 2.631.567 4.039.819

European Union 2.460.938 3.769.691

United Nations 170.630

ORGANISMES NATIONAUX 8.368.429 8.967.457

DGD 5.078.267 4.842.930

Belgian cooperation& others 856.108 1.028.829

Organismes withinthe European Union 1.867.406 2.718.442

Organismes outside ofthe European Union 566.648 377.256

Private financing 845.921 863.509

Self-funding 7.499.749 5.207.334

Fundraising 3.272.227 4.067.355

Legacies and inheritances 1.477.888 426.954

Sales & services provision 0 60

Sponsoring 8.000 26.510

Others (Consortium 12-12) 2.741.635 686.455

Other operating income 264.107 200.242

Subsides 84.299 68.908

Costs billable to third parties 25.059 36.446

Other income 154.749 94.888

Financial resources 58.552 169.211

Financial income 58.553 14.593

Effect of exchange rate changes 0 154.617

Exceptional receipts 518.807 76.273

TOTAL INCOMES 20.187.133 19.523.845

RESULT 1.445.208 412.782

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BALANCE SHEET ¦

ASSETS 2011 2010

Intangible fixed capital 44.483 133

Tangible fixed capital 308.818 271.184

Buildings and fittings 262.899 236.084

Furniture and equipment 45.918 35.100

Financial fixed capital 49.363 59.176

Total fixed assets 402.664 330.493

Receivables 1.674.843 2.435.116

Commercial receivables 157.673 195.695

Revenues to be collected 20.354 0

Benefactors 1.272.936 2.132.091

Other receivables 223.881 107.330

Stocks 22.482 9.966

Liquid assets 6.546.335 4.384.385

Financial investments 259.729 283.197Accounts withcredit companies 6.050.443 3.799.051

Cash funds 236.164 282.337

Internal transfers 0 19.800

Prepayments and deferred income 130.751 173.029

Total floating capital 8.374.412 7.002.495

TOTAL ASSETS 8.777.076 7.332.988

LIABILITIES 2011 2010

Association fundsand reserves 2.847.302 2.434.520

Result of financial year 1.445.208 421.782

Total associationfunds 4.292.510 2.847.302

Provisions for costs 23.000 0

Provisions for risks 230.459 864.335

Provisions for disputes 22.716 0

Total provisions 276.175 864.335

Long-term debts 3.202 0

Short-term debts 3.944.088 1.764.870

Benefactors 1.522.930 1.034.432

Suppliers 2.206.299 585.368

Debts in relationto tax and social costs 214.859 145.070

Prepayments and deferred income 261.101 1.856.481

Total debts 4.208.391 3.621.351

TOTAL LIABILITIES 8.777.076 7.332.988

© L. AERTS - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL© W. DANIELS - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

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39 ¦HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL ¦ ACTIVITY REPORT 2011

Balance sheet total

The balance sheet total is € 8,777,075.75, i.e. an increase of19.69% compared to 2010. This is partly due to an increase inliquid assets, thanks to the results of private fundraising. Thedevelopment of software has also led to an increase inintangible fixed capital.

Financial security

The liquidity and solvency position of Handicap Internationalcontinues to improve. Handicap International is therefore ableto fulfil both its short- and long-term debt obligations. As asafety measure, the organisation wishes to retain its owncapital to the value of the operational costs for three monthsor 25% of the annual budget. This target has almost beenreached. The total of the association’s funds in 2011 was, afterall, 23% of the budget.

Provisions

Financial provisions of up 304,216 euros that were booked inprevious years have been included, since the financial risk ofcertain donors has disappeared.

¦¦

¦¦

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We place great emphasis on the sound management of thefunds made available to us. All of the association’s accounts areaudited by Ernst & Young. The 2011 accounts were adopted bythe general assembly on 15 June 2012. Furthermore, our project-related expenditure is subject to regular specific audits onbehalf of our benefactors. Our budgets can only be deployedonce they have passed through strict internal procedures.Through these external and internal audit mechanisms, we canbe certain that the funds we receive from our benefactors aremanaged in the best possible way.

Right to information

Handicap International is an active member of an associationfor ethics in fundraising (AERF-VEF - www.vef-aerf.be) andendorses the AERF-VEF’s code of conduct that explains yourright to information.

This annual report provides you with a large amount offinancial information. You can also request additionalinformation:

� A summary of the cost accounting;� Notes on what the organisation understands by utilisation of

cost centres, particularly for fundraising;� The auditor’s report;� Pay ratio (ratio between the lowest and highest gross salaries;� Amortization table.

You can request that these documents be sent to your addressby calling + 32 (0)2 280 16 01 or by e-mailing [email protected] or view them in person at our head office at Ruedu Spa 67, 1000 Brussels.

FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY ¦

© D. TELEMANS - HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

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Haiti

Gross 2011 revenue from Consortium 12-12: € 93.9942010 revenue spent in 2011: € 1.230.711Total spent in 2011: € 1.324.705

We have previously discussed in this report how the afore-mentioned funds were spent. Following the earthquake in January2010, our teams wasted no time in initiating physiotherapy. Sincethen, they have worked on socio-economic integration as well asphysical rehabilitation. In 2011, all of the revenue received fromConsortium 12-12 was spent. Handicap International will remain inHaiti in the coming years.

Pakistan

Gross 2011 revenue from Consortium 12-12: € 158.0362010 revenue spent in 2011: € 345.564Total spent in 2011: € 503.600

In July and August of 2010, Pakistan was hit by severe flooding,resulting in millions of casualties. The above-mentioned funds wereused by the Handicap International Federation, which providedemergency parcels, drinking water, support points for people withdisabilities and shelters. In 2011, all of the revenue received fromConsortium 12-12 was spent, but Handicap International will continueto run projects in Pakistan.

East Africa

Gross 2011 revenue from Consortium 12-12: € 1.067.1202010 revenue spent in 2011: € 882.391Total spent in 2011: € 133.465

In 2011, the worst famine since 1991 broke out in East Africa. HandicapInternational helped those most vulnerable in the Dadaab refugeecamp. The organisation ensured that they had access to thehumanitarian aid they required. In addition, teams from HandicapInternational provided rehabilitation, walking aids and psychologicalguidance.

¦ EMERGENCY AID CAMPAIGNS¦ SUPPORTED BY CONSORTIUM 12-12

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INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC DONORS

European UnionEuropeAid Cooperation OfficeHumanitarian Aid Department of theEuropean Commission (ECHO)

The United NationsMine Action Coordination Center(UNMACC)United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF)World Health Organisation(WHO)

OtherWorld Bank

NATIONAL PUBLIC DONORS

Public donors in BelgiumGeneral Direction to Developmentof Belgium (DGD) -‘Programme’ and ‘Emergency Aid andshort term rehabilitation’Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium -‘Conflict Prevention’

Brussels Capital RegionGovernment of FlandersProvince of LimburgWallonie Bruxelles International(WBI)

National public donors insidethe European UnionAustrian Development Agency(ADA)City of LuxembourgDutch Embassy in Republic of KoreaDutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs(BUZA)French Development Agency(AFD)French Embassy in ChinaFrench Ministry of Foreign and EuropeanAffairs - The Crisis CenterGerman Ministry of Foreign AffairsLuxembourg Ministry of Foreign AffairsMinistry of Foreign Affairs of GermanySpanish Agency for DevelopmentInternational Cooperation(AECID)Swedish International DevelopmentCooperation Agency(SIDA)

National public donors outsidethe European UnionAustralian Agency for InternationalDevelopment(AusAid)Cambodian Ministry of EducationCambodian Ministry of Social Affairs(MOSVY)Canadian Embassy in China(Canada Fund)Norwegian Ministry of Foreign AffairsOffice of Foreign Disaster Assistance(OFDA)Swiss Agency for Developmentand Cooperation(SDC)United States Agency for InternationalDevelopment(USAID)

PRIVATE DONORS(NGO AND FOUNDATIONS)

Anova Seafood BVAustralian Red CrossBelgian National LotteryBig Lottery Fund (BIG)Children for a Better WorldEDF ChinaFirst State InvestmentsDr. Gustav Krauß Krankenhaus FoundationGertrude Hirzel FoundationGlobal Road Safety Partnership (GRSP)Half Marathon Committee (HMC)International Campaign to Ban Landmines(ICBL) - ClusterInternational Traffic Safety Data andAnalysis Group (IRTAD)International Union for Health Promotionand Education (IUHPE)King Baudouin FoundationMunition Coalition (CMC)Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Schoolof Public HealthKadoorie Charitable Foundation (KCF)Karl Storz CompanyLivability IrelandMartin IversenOlympus KeyMedPartnerships for Community Development(PCD)Sanofi AventisVlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde

OTHER SECTIONS OFHANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

Handicap International Luxembourgcontributed financially to support

Inclusion of people with disabilitiesin Potosi province, BoliviaTogether to act in favour of peoplewith disabilities in BurundiSupport to associations for peoplewith disabilities network in Burundi‘Happy child’ prevention projectin CambodiaImproving rehabilitation services anddevelopment of prevention activitiesin Chamdo, A.R. Tibet, ChinaCapacity building and implementationof advocacy activities from associationsof people with disabilities in ColombiaCommunity-based rehabilitation in CubaPrevention of disabling sequelaein humanitarian crisis and conflictsituation in East of DR CongoSupport to KORD – Kurdish Organisationfor the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, IraqPrevention, early detection and interventionfor children with disabilities or at risk,Savannakhet, Lao PDR.Implementation of two spinal cord unitsin North Vietnam

Handicap International United Statescontributed financially to supportthe action of the Ban Advocates.

DONORS ¦

Page 43: Activity report 2011

Responsible editor: Jan BrigouHandicap InternationalRue de Spa, 67 - 1000 Brussels - Belgium

Tel.: +32 (0)2 280 16 01Fax: +32 (0)2 230 60 30E-mail: [email protected]

IBAN : BE80 0000 0000 7777BIC : BPOTBEB1

Editors: Lies Ryckeboer, Aurore Van VoorenLay-out/Design: Beltza ([email protected])Printing: Enschede-Van MuysenwinkelTranslation: ISO TranslationFront page image: © D. TELEMANS

Free publication.Contact Handicap International for extra copies.Een Nederlandstalige versie is op verzoek beschikbaar.Une version française est également disponible.

HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION14, avenue BerthelotF-69361 Lyon - Cedex 07Tel.: + 33 (0)4 78 69 79 79Fax: + 33 (0)4 78 69 79 94E-mail: [email protected]

_ _ _

Handicap International BelgiumRue de Spa 67B-1000 BrusselsTel.: +32 (0)2 280 16 01Fax: +32 (0)2 230 60 30E-mail : [email protected]

Handicap International Canada1819, boulevard René-Lévesque OuestBureau 401Montréal (Québec) C-H3H 2P5Tel.: + 1 514 908 2813Fax: + 1 514 937 6685E-mail : [email protected]

Handicap International France16, rue Etienne RognonF-69363 Lyon Cedex 07Tel. : +33 (0)4 72 72 08 08Fax : +33 (0)4 26 68 75 25E-mail : [email protected]

Handicap International GermanyGanghoferstr. 19D-80339 MünchenTel.: + 49 (0)89 547 6060Fax: + 49 (0)89 547 60 620E-mail : [email protected]

Handicap International Luxembourg140, rue Adolphe-FischerL-1521 LuxembourgTel. : + 352 (0)42 80 60 1Fax : + 352 (0)26 43 10 60E-mail : [email protected]

Handicap International SwitzerlandAvenue de la Paix 11CH-1202 GenèveTel. : + 41 (0)22 788 70 33Fax : + 41 (0)22 788 70 35E-mail : [email protected]

Handicap International United Kingdom27 BroadwallLondon SE1 9 PLTel. : + 44 (0)870 774 37 37Fax : + 44 (0)870 774 37 38E-mail : [email protected]

Handicap International United States6930 Carroll Avenue - Suite 240Takoma Park, MD 20912-4468 - USATel. : + 1 301 891 2138Fax : + 1 301 891 9193E-mail : [email protected]

www.handicap-international.org

HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL NETWORK ¦

Handicap International is an international non-governmental organisation and helps people withdisabilities and vulnerable people in more than 60countries. The organisation is mainly known for itsfight against landmines and cluster munitions andhelping the victims of these unexploded devices.As a co-founder of the International Campaign toBan Landmines, the organization received the NobelPeace Prize in 1997. This award was in recognitionof its work on behalf of the victims of landmines.

However, Handicap International’s mandate is notlimited to physical rehabilitation for people withdisabilities. The organisation implements projects onthe prevention of disabilities and provides supportfor people with disabilities by ensuring they can fullytake part in social life. In addition to this, HandicapInternational also provides support in emergencysituations, for instance, in the aftermath of naturaldisasters and humanitarian crises. Handicap Interna-tional is member of the Consortium 12-12, the BelgianConsortium for Emergency Situations.

HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL ¦

WEREPAI

RLIVES

Page 44: Activity report 2011

Under the patronage of HerRoyal Highness Princess Mathilde www.handicapinternational.be