Palestinian Territories

© P.Demaison/Handicap International

Handicap International has been present in the Palestinian Territories since 1996. The organisation has implemented several projects, including providing technical support to referral centres for people with disabilities. Our team is present in the Gaza Strip and supports activities to meet the needs of people with disabilities and improve their daily life (rehabilitation services, making buildings more accessible). These actions are performed in partnership with local Palestinian associations.

In 2009 the activities of the Gaza programme were suspended for several weeks during fighting, although our salaried staff in the territory continued to perform outreach missions (assessments, etc). Since the ceasefire at the end of January 2009, the distribution of kits followed by the setting up of 'disability and vulnerable' focal points enabled us to provide a response to the people most in need of support. In 2010, we continued our activities, treating the complex situation in Gaza as an emergency, while taking a long-term approach. In 2011, our key area of action is rehabilitation.

Key Facts - Palestinian territories

• Population: 4.4 million
• Household Consumption: not available
• Life Expectancy: 74 years
• Human Development: not available
_{Source: UNDP HDR 2011}

Our projects

	Rehabilitation in Gaza Assisting people in need of orthotic and prosthetic devices through the production of these devices and the reinforcement of the technical capacities of the ortho-prosthetic technicians in the Artificial Limbs and Polio Centre.
	Support for people with disabilities in Gaza Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in the Gaza Strip, through the supply and adaptation of rehabilitation aids, re-inforcing the capacities of rehabilitation centres, and professional training for rehabilitation staff.
	Improving access to rehabilitation services in the West Bank Professional training for rehabilitation staff and social workers, developing systems for renting mobility aids, putting in place accessible transport systems for people with disabilities.