Since 2013, ӣɬ’s 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, ӣɬ has been able to conduct humanitarian demining operations in the departments of Antioquia, Boyacá, 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 ӣɬ.
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.
"I am convinced that one way to create peace is to create employment opportunities, and I believe that this applies for the whole country. That is why I am grateful for the work that ӣɬ has been doing in Campamento. What you did was not only to come and hire local people, but also to stay, which generates economic benefits for the municipality."