1,989
Colombia
Colombia is one of the world's most biodiverse countries. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean and five neighbouring nations.
HALO began clearing explosives in Colombia in 2013. We launched our safety training programme here in 2016.
61,000
People trained to stay safe
2,492
Explosive devices destroyed
34,267
Beneficiaries reached
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.
It鈥檚 impossible to truly understand the impact of landmines on daily life until you face the reality of living with this constant danger
We鈥檙e afraid to enter certain areas of our own land because of mines. I鈥檝e seen people injured in explosions, suffering life-changing injuries and losing their hands or feet.
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.
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.
HALO's work in Colombia is funded by:
Latest news from Latin America
Colombia
Clearing explosives +3
HALO is embarking on a first-of-its kind programme with Rainforest Trust and Amazon Conservation Team to clear landmines from a vast 45,000 acres of land in Colombia's Meta region.
01 Oct 2026
Honduras
Securing weapons +1
Story
HALO's partnership with the Honduran Armed Forces and the Public Prosecutor's Office will ensure that institutions have the tools to manage their stockpiles.
26 Sep 2025
El Salvador +2
Securing weapons +1
Story
Women in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras are building skills in weapons and ammunition management. Find out about their contribution to safer futures.
19 Aug 2025
HALO programmes in Latin America
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