Letters to a Humanitarian Deminer
The Colombian President鈥檚 Office, in cooperation with DAICMA, technical secretary for the National Mine Action Authority, created the 鈥楥artas a un Desminador Humanitario鈥� or 鈥楲etters to a Humanitarian Deminer鈥� Campaign to pay tribute to the brave men and women who work tirelessly clearing 澳门六合彩官方网址 throughout Colombia.
This campaign was launched following a tragic accident on July 15th when a military deminer, Wilson de Jes煤s Mart铆nez Jaraba, was killed while conducting mine clearance in Antioquia 鈥� a department where HALO also conducts clearance operations. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the landmine problem and to collect messages of solidarity, gratitude and support for those who dedicate their lives to this important work.
The six month campaign ended in December 2015. Letters were collected in Bogot谩, Ch铆a, Facatativ谩, Fusagasug谩, Villavicencio, Zipaquir谩, Cali, Buenaventura, Pereira, Armenia, Manizales, Medell铆n, Bello, Bucaramanga Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta to be shared with deminers working across Colombia. Representatives from the President鈥檚 Office and the Ministry of Post-Conflict visited HALO鈥檚 operations in Sons贸n to give each deminer a thank you letter.
As one of the most mine-affected countries in the world, the need for continued landmine clearance in Colombia is urgent. With almost 11,000 victims recorded so far, Colombia has an annual landmine casualty rate second only to Afghanistan. Though progress has been made, much work remains to be done. With recently renewed commitment from a host of countries, it is our hope Colombia will take steps towards becoming mine-free by 2021.
Letters to a Humanitarian Deminer
