Photo : © OCARINA / HI
Join Handicap International's Shoe Pyramid
Mobilize by throwing your shoes on the pyramid against anti-personnel mines, weapons that are banned but whose use threatens to resurface. A citizen and solidarity event to protect civilians and remind of the urgency of defending the Ottawa Treaty.
Place de la république (Paris 3rd)
This event has ended.
About
How can we act as citizens in the face of rising armed conflicts and multiplying humanitarian disasters around the world? How can we mobilize against the return of anti-personnel mines, those insidious weapons that continue to maim and kill thousands of civilians every year?
It is to answer these questions and better understand the challenges our teams face on the ground that Handicap International is organizing the Shoe Pyramids, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Place de la République in Paris, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Throughout this day of solidarity, young and old are invited to meet our teams and participate in immersive activities:
- Mine clearance demonstration;
- Inclusive sports workshop;
- Game on the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid in emergency situations;
- Introduction to inclusion.
Finally, throw your shoes, symbols of citizen mobilization against the use of mines and against the appalling regression caused by their return to arsenals and conflict zones. The weight of the collected shoes will allow Handicap International to pressure states.
The collected shoes will be recycled (more information on our website).
We look forward to seeing many of you for this day of commitment and awareness.
Did you know?
> A strong symbol that moves the lines
The shoe is a symbol, that of the number of lives shattered or lost due to the use of anti-personnel mines and other explosive weapons... This symbol weighs heavily on political positions and has led to great victories (against anti-personnel mines in 1997, then against cluster bombs in 2008 and in 2022 with the signing of a political declaration by 83 States).
> An eco-responsible gesture
The shoes collected at the Shoe Pyramids are redistributed to a collection operator approved by Refashion, a major player in textile recycling and partner of the event. By participating in the Shoe Pyramids, you are therefore giving a second life to your shoes and making a gesture for the environment. Combining solidarity and eco-responsibility is now possible!
We look forward to seeing many of you for this day of commitment and awareness.
Our take on this event
Turn your old shoes into a powerful statement by joining this massive collaborative installation against the use of landmines. Beyond the symbolic act, you will discover the reality of humanitarian work through interactive workshops and direct discussions with those on the front lines. It is the perfect opportunity to combine civic action and sustainable recycling in a unique setting.
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Place de la République hosts the Shoe Pyramid organized by Handicap International. From 10:00 to 17:30, this day of civic mobilization raises awareness about the dangers of landmines and explosive weapons. Suitable for ages 6 and up, the event invites attendees to participate in educational workshops and support the organization's efforts by donating shoes, which will subsequently be recycled through a specialized partner. This solidarity gathering is entirely free and designed to be accessible to wheelchair users and those with cognitive disabilities.
Join Handicap International at the Place de la République for a day dedicated to humanitarian engagement. On October 10, 2026, between 10:00 and 17:30, the public is invited to learn about the organization's field operations. Through immersive activities, you can watch mine clearance demonstrations, try inclusive sports workshops, or explore the logistical challenges of delivering emergency aid in crisis zones.
The core action involves donating your shoes. This act symbolizes the burden of lives shattered by landmines and reinforces the political advocacy conducted by the association with various States. The shoes collected during this event serve as more than just a symbol of mobilization; they are processed through a textile recycling program with an authorized partner, combining social solidarity with environmental responsibility.
The event is open to everyone aged 6 and older. The organizers have ensured the site is fully accessible, including to wheelchair users and those with cognitive disabilities. Participation is completely free.
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