Handicap International

While a standard airmail letter from Phnom Penh to Hongkong costs 2300r, this only takes 1000r to Paris. It has a story to tell.

The letter was sent under the umbrella of Handicap International.

Handicap International is a Europe based non-governmental organization (NGO) set up in 1982. Initially they provided help in refugee camps in Cambodia and Thailand, now they focus their work on Cambodian disabled people welfare, AIDS fight, landmine clearance and proverty elimination. Outside Cambodia, the organization has a supporting network for the disabled worldwide.

If such is not impressive to you, you may like to realize that Handicap International is one of the six founding members of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. The Campaign gained hearty support from Diana, Princess of Wales, and in the same year when she perished the Campaign won the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 2007 Cambodia Post launched a 2v set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Handicap International services. Long before this, the organization already worked close with different government ministries, including the Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications. To lower the organization's operational cost, an honourable agreement was made that mail under the organization's name enjoy bulk mail rate.

The postal used cover shown is franked with a 1000r from the Handicap International set. The back of the envelope is imprinted "Handicap International" in blue, this gives a coincident that a Handicap International mail franked with a Handicap International themed stamp.

Handicap International takes up the largest volume of bulk mail in Cambodia. Most Handicap International mail are to Europe, it is very easy to find covers from Phnom Penh to European distinations at minimal postage, they are Handicap International bulk mail despite they may not bear the name of organisation.