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 staff continued to perform outreach missions (assessments, etc). Following 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. Since 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: 114th out of 187
_{Source: UNDP HDR 2011}

Our projects

	Rehabilitation in Gaza Assisting people in need of prosthetic and orthotic devices by producing these devices and reinforcing the capacities of 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, by supplying and adapting rehabilitation aids, building the capacities of rehabilitation centres, and providing professional training for rehabilitation staff.
	Improving access to rehabilitation services in the West Bank Providing professional training for rehabilitation staff and social workers in the West Bank, developing systems for renting mobility aids, and putting in place accessible transport systems for people with disabilities.