Why Colombia ?
Almost six decades of civil war between guerrillas, paramilitaries and government forces amid drug trafficking has left Colombia infested with artisanal mines and unexploded ordnance. In 2015, as part of the peace negotiations, the government and the FARC non-state armed group reached a ceasefire agreement; this also helped contribute to the national strategy to clear land mines. Significant efforts have been made since with several thousand deminers deployed in the country, leading to notable advances. The goal is now for the country to be completely free of mines by 2025.
To achieve this objective, many challenges still have to be overcome, particularly in relation to the topography and vegetation in certain contaminated areas, and due to persistent insecurity. Improvised mines are still used by the remaining armed groups to protect coca plantations. In 2019, 111 mine victims were recorded, and in 2020 this figure has grown to over 140.
