HI is working to reduce the threat of cluster munitions and explosive remnants of war in Laos. Its teams of mine clearance experts work alongside villagers affected by the presence of these weapons. They clear the land, destroy the devices and raise local people’s awareness of the dangers they represent. These operations are implemented in four of the worst affected districts in Savannakhet province. Since 2006, HI’s teams have cleared over 3,500,000m² of land and destroyed some 24,000 explosive remnants of war in Laos.
At the same time, the organisation is running development projects aimed at reducing the risk of disability and improving the social inclusion of people with disabilities. The focus is on preventing disability in children under 5 years old. HI promotes the detection of disability, runs disability awareness activities and organises infant stimulation sessions.
HI also aims to improve the reading skills of all children, with a particular focus on children who do not speak the Lao language and children with disabilities.
HI also focuses on access to employment or entrepreneurship for people with disabilities by providing personalised support and training on how to set up a project or start their own business. Furthermore, the organisation is involved in training disabled people’s organisations to campaign for their rights.
Finally, HI works to improve the care provided to people requiring rehabilitation. The organisation collaborates with public bodies in developing the country’s rehabilitation sector and provides training for professionals working in this field.
