Colombia: making the land safe to use

A scenic view of the forest nature in Casanare

Colombia

Colombia is one of the world's most biodiverse countries. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean and five neighboring nations.

HALO began clearing explosives in Colombia in 2013. We launched our safety training program here in 2016.

2,492

Explosive devices destroyed

55,838

People trained in staying safe

Situation in Colombia

The people of Colombia have endured the consequences of armed conflict between armed groups for more than 60 years. Landmines have been laid across rural areas, devastating towns and villages.

Nearly 12,700 people have been killed or injured by landmines or unexploded ordnance since 1990. This casualty rate is the second highest in the world, after Afghanistan.

These explosive devices act indiscriminately, putting lives at risk and destroying livelihoods. Families are afraid to cultivate, access to natural resources is restricted, and children cannot safely travel to school or play outside.

A red mine warning sign stands alone with a vast view of mountainous terrain in the background — Landmines in Colombia disproportionately affect rural communities

Eisenhower, a resident in El Ca帽贸n de Las Hermosas, stands before a scenic valley of nature in Colombia

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.

Eisenhower
Village of Canyon de las Hermosas

HALO's work and impact in Colombia

HALO has been clearing landmines from coffee plantations, farms, villages and indigenous reserves since 2013. Our survey teams have reported around 1,433 villages as free from the contamination of explosives. This work restores community confidence and makes land safe to use again.

There are still vast swathes of land to be cleared. While this work continues, we deliver safety education to help local communities stay safe. We make sure children know what to do if they come across a landmine or other explosive hazard.

Landmine clearance is essential for achieving peace in Colombia. It's a vital first step in rebuilding communities that have lived with the effects of explosive contamination for decades. Clearance also allows government and private development projects to begin, providing conflict-affected communities with the support they need.

Over the longer term, HALO's work creates greater opportunities for people to rebuild their livelihoods and secure a more prosperous future for the next generation.

A HALO risk educator poses with a school child in a class after a explosive ordnance risk education session — Teaching safety in communities

Katerine Ramirez, a HALO staff member carries out demining activities on the ground

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.

Katerine Ramirez
Deminer, HALO Colombia