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A team of Japan-funded deminers stand holding their tools in Sri Lanka

2 Million Mines Gone for Good

24th November 2023

HALO was established in 1988 in response to the devastating human toll of landmines in Afghanistan following the Soviet withdrawal. Over the last thirty-five years, we have cleared landmines from 29 countries and territories, including Angola where Princess Diana was filmed in a minefield in 1997. The Princess championed the banning of landmines, and the Ottawa Treaty was signed later that year. Today we mark a major milestone—2 million mines cleared for good.

"Working for HALO isn’t just a job, I think it makes you tough, it makes you very resilient. It also gives you hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Dr. Farid, HALO Afghanistan Country Director
James Cowan, CEO of HALO

I would like to pay tribute to the tens of thousands of HALO staff who have put other people's lives first to rid countries of this deadly scourge.

HALO employs over 11,500 staff around the world - many of them clearing their own communities of the deadly legacy of conflict. We estimate that their dedication has saved the lives of 2 million people and enabled over 10 million people to have safer access to schools, health clinics and farming land—ensuring children can reach class without walking through a minefield and parents can put food on the table.

"It's not just my job, when I take a landmine out of the ground, and destroy it, ammunition, and destroy it. I feel we have helped someone’s life."
Survey & EOD Commander, HALO Cambodia

Saving and transforming lives

A group of children in Afghanistan stand in front of their home, which was used to store IEDs
Afghanistan
A deminer kneels whilst holding a detector in the jungle in Cambodia
Cambodia
A team of deminers stand together in HALO PPE in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe

This 2 million milestone brings the levels of mine contamination in Ukraine into sharp focus. Ukraine is suffering from the heaviest landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination in Europe since World War II. Estimates suggest there could be over two million landmines in the country, putting approximately 6.1 million people at risk and significantly restricting access to agricultural land which, in turn, limits grain production.

"Clearing two million mines is a major achievement, but there is still a mountain to climb. We are witnessing a new age of mine laying in Ukraine and Yemen, while people in Afghanistan, Somalia and Zimbabwe are living cheek by jowl with the long-term legacy of historic conflicts. With increased funding, HALO could clear even more weapons and save more lives."
James Cowan, CEO, The HALO Trust

Over the past 12 months, HALO has expanded rapidly in Ukraine, where it uses technologies, equipment, and devices it has trialed in various locations, including drones, ground-penetrating radar, and remote-controlled machinery. In Ukraine, and across the world our staff will continue our mission to support protect the lives and restore the livelihoods of those affected by conflict.

Thank you to all our donors, who have enabled us to reach this milestone and continue to support our life-saving work.

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The HALO Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 2228587. Registered Charity No. 1001813 and (in Scotland) SC037870. Registered Office: One Bartholomew Close, Barts Square, London EC1A 7BL

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