Colombia
Colombia is a diverse country on the north coast of South America. It borders five countries, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
HALO began clearing explosives in Colombia in 2013. We launched our safety training programme here in 2016.
Situation in Colombia
The people of Colombia have suffered the consequences of warfare between illegal armed groups for more than 50 years. Landmines were laid throughout rural areas, devastating local towns and villages.
Nearly 12,000 people have been killed or injured by mines or unexploded ordnance since 1990. This casualty rate is second only to Afghanistan.
These crude, explosive devices don't just endanger lives, they destroy livelihoods. Families are too afraid to tend their land to grow crops, natural resources are cut off, and children cannot walk to school or play outside.
"Until you see the effects of landmines every day and you have to live knowing they are out there, you can never really understand. We are afraid to enter certain parts of the finca (farm) because of the landmines. I have seen people have accidents; mutilated, without feet and hands."
HALO's work and impact in Colombia
HALO has been removing landmines from coffee plantations, farms, villages, and indigenous reserves since 2013. Our survey teams have reported nearly 1,245 villages as landmine free. This is important work as it restores confidence, making the land safe to use again.
There are still vast swathes of land to be cleared. While we work on that, we run safety education to help local communities stay safe. We make sure children know what to do if they come across a landmine or explosive.
Landmine clearance is integral to achieving peace in Colombia. It's a vital first step in rebuilding communities after so many years of suffering. The removal of explosives allows government and private development projects to begin. This provides conflict-affected communities with the support they desperately need. The longer term impact of HALO's work will be providing greater opportunity for building livelihoods and a prosperous future for the next generation.
"HALO cleared my father's land five years ago. Then, I saw an advert for a job and I thought maybe I can stop others having to go through what my dad went through. I have a cousin that stepped on a mine and unfortunately, he lost an eye and a leg. That's why I was really motivated to join HALO."
Other HALO programmes in Latin America
Our work in Colombia is funded by:
