Help for Refugees

On the occasion of International Refugee Day on
June 20th, the alliance organization of Aktion 
Deutschland Hilft Handicap International (HI) 
emphasizes that the aid for refugees and displaced 
persons with disabilities in many refugee camps 
is insufficient.

Vulnerable groups need targeted support
Many have health problems and have to deal with the 
aftermath of bombing raids or accidents, as well as 
traumatic experiences when fleeing.

People with disabilities, pregnant women or the elderly 
need specific support. However, it is often 
particularly difficult for them to get food, relief 
supplies and medical aid.

This is how Handicap International helps refugees with disabilities
"Refugees and internally displaced persons with 
disabilities are often overlooked. They often live 
in precarious circumstances," Managing 
Director of Handicap International Germany emphasizes.

"We ensure barrier-free access to vital services, 
provide wheelchairs or prostheses that have often been 
lost when fleeing, and support traumatized victims with 
psychological help." 

In 2022 alone, HI helped around 380,000 refugees and 
360,000 internally displaced persons in a total of 35 
countries, including Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, 
Pakistan, South Sudan and Thailand, with comprehensive 
rehabilitation measures and projects for inclusive education 
and training as well as with the expansion of barrier-free 
access to relief measures.

Many refugee camps have become permanent
According to the UN, more than 100 million people worldwide 
had to flee from war, violence and persecution in 2022 alone. 
The climate catastrophe, rising living costs, an impending 
global economic recession and protracted conflicts are the 
main reasons for this increase in refugees and displaced 
persons. An increasing number of internally displaced 
persons are also among the refugees.

Many refugee camps have existed for decades and still have 
to take in more people - in many cases they have become 
permanent. The camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, for example, 
have existed since 1997 and are now home to 1 million people, 
most of whom are Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

There are seven camps in Gambella, Ethiopia, housing over 
500,000 people as of 2017. The Kakuma camp in Kenya has 
existed since 1992 and is home to 800,000 people.
Nobody flees voluntarily. And everyone has the right to 
protection and security. Our strong alliance of more than 
20 aid organizations helps worldwide.

Thank you for your donation!