Guatemala
Guatemala is a Central American country that borders with Mexico to the north. It stretches from the Pacific Ocean in the West to the Caribbean Sea in the East.
HALO has been working here since 2017, developing weapons and ammunition storage capacity. We've also delivered training to local law enforcement in safe weapons management.
Situation in Guatemala
The people of Guatemala endured more than 36 years of internal conflict until 1996. Three decades later, they continue to suffer a high crime rate fuelled by drug trafficking and gang-related violence. This is exacerbated by a heavily-armed population. Like other Central American countries, arms trafficking is a big issue here.
The large number of weapons in circulation has had a devastating effect on local communities. There have been numerous deaths and injuries, and families have been forced to flee their homes.
Owning and carrying a weapon is a constitutional right in Guatemala. Improving the regulation of arms and ammunition is a major challenge for peace, security and development.
HALO's work and impact in Guatemala
Since 2017, HALO has worked with the military and police to strengthen Guatemala's weapons management processes. Our efforts focus on destroying obsolete items, preventing unplanned explosions, and avoiding firearms getting into the wrong hands. We're also upgrading and restoring weapons and ammunition stores.
We've been working with local communities to reduce armed violence and tackle the issues that result from easy access to weapons.
We strive to ensure the meaningful participation of women and other minority groups in the security forces.
"I've come across instances where I needed these skills in explosive ordnance disposal, but unfortunately I didn't have them. Now I am looking forward to learning as much as I can. I want to be able to teach my peers in the army so that we can all contribute towards reducing violence in our country."
Other HALO programmes in Latin America
HALO's work in Guatemala is funded by:
