Handicap International provides assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly people with disabilities, wherever in the world it is needed. The association meets their essential and specific needs, improves their living conditions and helps them to integrate into society.

Since its creation, the association has set up development programs in more than 60 countries, and intervenes in numerous emergency situations. The network of 8 national associations (Germany, Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA) works constantly to mobilize resources, co-manage projects and promote the organization's principles and actions.

Handicap International acts not only in favour of people with disabilities who have permanent or temporary disabilities, suffer from chronic disabling illnesses or are in mental health or psychological distress, but also in favour of their families, their direct entourage and their community.

HI is one of the six founding associations of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 and winner of the 2011 Conrad N. Hilton Award. 

In Geneva, Broken Chair symbolizes HI's fight against explosive weapons and the violence inflicted on populations during armed conflicts. Created by Daniel Berset on HI's initiative and installed in front of the United Nations, the monument is a challenge to the international community. It reminds the international community of its obligations to respect international humanitarian law and to protect civilians against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.