Humanitarian Situation in Syria: Testimony from Handicap International

The Geneva press club and Handicap International invite you to a press conference with:

• Daniel Suda-Lang, Director of Handicap International Switzerland
• Noor Bimbashi, Advocacy and Policy Advisor for Handicap International in Syria

To participate, please register using the following links:

Syria is today one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world by landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). More than 15.4 million people are under direct threat from these weapons, with an urgent need for support through clearance operations, risk education, and victim assistance.

Urban areas are particularly affected: major cities such as Raqqa, East Aleppo, and Homs have been completely devastated by bombardments.

Having just returned from Syria, Noor Bimbashi, Advocacy and Policy Advisor for Handicap International in Syria, will share her testimony and expertise on the following issues:

• The current humanitarian situation in Syria, particularly following the fall of some regions previously under the control of the Assad regime
• The consequences of contamination for civilians, and the obstacles to reconstruction and the return of displaced populations

Noor Bimbashi specializes in humanitarian mine action, inclusive humanitarian response, and International Humanitarian Law. A deeply committed Palestinian, Noor has worked in the humanitarian sector for over 10 years. She previously served as Advocacy Specialist at the Palestinian NGO Network, and later as Advocacy Manager for Handicap International’s program in Palestine. She also leads research and policy work on access to services for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Noor sits on the boards of several civil society organizations working on women’s rights, civic engagement, and humanitarian action.

For media inquiries:
Marie Bro | Handicap International
Responsable communication et média 
m.bro@hi.org
+41 78 729 43 30

Image: © Handicap International. Légende: Le 27 mai dernier à Deir-ez-Zor, Handicap International a commencé à dépolluer trois écoles très contaminées. Dans ce gouvernorat parmi les plus touchés de Syrie, plus de 940 civils – dont 91 enfants – ont été victimes d’engins explosifs depuis décembre. En avril, nos équipes ont sensibilisé 1650 personnes, dépollué 73’000 m² et mené 59 interventions d’urgence.