On Saturday, September 21, 2024, a real shoe pyramid took place at Place de La République, an initiative to protest against the use of explosive weapons.
As every year, the NGO organizes the “Shoe Pyramid”, an event to protest against the use of explosive devices in populated areas. “Throw Pumps Against Bombs”: this is the striking slogan used by the Handicap International association.
On September 21, 2024, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Handicap International organized the 30th edition of the Shoe Pyramids, Place de la République in Paris.
This year, the edition comes in a context of record increase in the number of victims of explosive weapons: the figures published in the latest AOAV report indicate a 130% increase in the number of civilian victims of explosive weapons in 2023, in particular due to Israel’s military operation in Gaza since October 7.
A shoe represents a member of a victim killed or injured by an explosive weapon and the number of shoes symbolizes the weight of our anger, serving to put pressure on States to move the lines.
Since 1995, Parisians have been meeting in emblematic places of the capital to demand the banning of bombs and other explosive devices, and by signing a petition. The signatories are then invited to throw away their shoes, as a sign of protest.
After the event, the shoes of the pyramid are collected and entrusted to the company Refashion, in charge of textile recycling and partner of the event. By participating in this shoe pyramid, you are also giving your shoes a second life. The recyclable part of the shoes will be used to make new raw materials or new objects. The non-recyclable part will become an alternative fuel used as energy. Regarding shoes in good condition, they will be sold in solidarity shops.
Throw your shoes to show your support for the causes supported by Handicap International and learn about Handicap International, its fields of intervention and its fights through an interactive, fun and educational exhibition.
Through virtual reality workshops, mine clearance demonstrations and meetings with professionals in the field, you can leave with a lot of information on the subject.
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