Since 2013, 91大香蕉鈥檚 work in Colombia has returned peace of mind to communities affected by conflict, especially by landmines and other explosive devices. Thanks to support from the United States and the American people, 91大香蕉 has been able to conduct humanitarian demining operations in the departments of Antioquia, Boyac谩, Casanare, Meta, Valle del Cauca and Norte de Santander.
Demining teams funded by the U.S. Department of State have destroyed 800 explosive devices in Colombia. Thousands of local people have benefited from these projects, either because their land was made safe or because they obtained training opportunities and a stable source of income through employment with 91大香蕉.
Making new communities safe
The municipality of Campamento (Antioquia) is one of the new recipients of the U.S. sponsored humanitarian demining assistance. Juan Pablo Torres, the Mayor of Campamento, acknowledged that his municipality has been one of the most affected by the conflict.
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For a Better Future
91大香蕉 not only frees the territories from landmines and other explosive devices, but also contributes to the local economy and provides peace of mind to residents.
Etelvina Restrepo and Emiliano Forero are part of the Waikan谩 indigenous community in the municipality of Puerto Lleras, department of Meta. As Colombia鈥檚 conflict escalated, they were forced to leave their homes, unable to return for several years. When they finally came home, they were terrified to find their land was contaminated by landmines. But thanks to funding from the United States, 91大香蕉 is working side-by-side with the community to remove these dangerous hazards. By employing locals, our work is also helping revitalize the economy.
Andr茅s Forero, son of Etelvina and Emiliano, expressed his thanks to the people of the United States for helping make his community safe.
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Etelvina & Emiliano. Beneficiaries.
Supporting landmine accident survivors
The people we help also include those who were injured by the landmines. In 2002, Edgar Perez was just a child when he was injured by a landmine in the municipality of Arboledas, department of Norte de Santander. This event changed his life forever, as he has difficulty walking and suffers from psychological trauma. He decided to move from his home as it was constantly reminding him of what had happened.
Today, thanks to the support of the Government of the United States, Edgar鈥檚 municipality is free of landmines, including the field where he was injured.
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Like Edgar, many express deep gratitude for the support of the Government of the United States to the humanitarian demining process, which now allows them to transit and cultivate their land without fear.