How HALO paved the way for Kosovo's recovery

The HALO Trust is celebrating the conclusion of its humanitarian landmine clearance in Kosovo today after 27 years.

In 1999, when Kosovo's refugees returned home, they found a country devastated by war – and a landscape scarred by landmines and unexploded cluster munitions. The conflict had ended, but danger remained just below the surface.

More than 800,000 people were displaced during the 1998 to 1999 conflict. In the first month after the war, an estimated 150 people were killed or injured by landmines, 71% of them under 24-years-old.

Today, Kosovo is a very different country. Its economy has grown to more than $14 billion, life expectancy is close to 78 years, and communities have rebuilt their homes, schools, businesses and lives.

"Kosovo shows us that the real impact of removing landmines and cluster bombs is not measured in hectares cleared, but in what that land makes possible over time", said Atholl Stewart, HALO Kosovo's last programme manager.

Cleared land has become fertile farmland and safe roads have enabled vital infrastructure to develop, giving families and businesses the confidence to rebuild and invest.

Pristina Airport, which now welcomes almost five million passengers every year, could only be redeveloped after a nearby minefield was cleared, and hundreds of cluster bombs had to be removed before the key E851 motorway corridor could be built through areas such as Arllat.

Around Peja in the west, clearing contaminated mountain trails has helped to unlock a flourishing tourism economy, with the city now receiving around 150,000 visitors a year.

The country's recovery reflects many factors – peace, political stabilisation, investment and the determination of its people – but those things needed safe ground on which to take root.

"Mine clearance was not the outcome of Kosovo's recovery. It was one of the prerequisites that made recovery possible", Stewart added.

Notes to editors

• Some of HALO's Kosovar employees are now leading its operations in Syria and Ukraine. Investing in their endeavours now will be critical to stabilising both countries.

• The HALO Trust is the world's largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation.

• HALO works in 30+ countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Colombia, Angola and Sri Lanka.

• We deploy groundbreaking technology in conflict and post-conflict settings to help people rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods and keep their children safe.

• HALO also runs programmes in weapons and ammunition management and safety training. During emergencies, we also provide humanitarian aid and logistical support.

• HALO was founded in 1988 in Afghanistan.

• We employ over 8,000 staff worldwide and recruit 95% of them locally.