About The halo trust
The Halo Trust: Clearing the Path to a Safer Future
The Halo Trust is a non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly for over 30 years to clear landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) from conflict-affected areas around the world. Founded in 1988, The Halo Trust has grown into one of the largest humanitarian mine clearance organizations in the world, with operations in over 25 countries.
At its core, The Halo Trust's mission is simple: to protect lives and restore livelihoods by clearing landmines and other ERW. These deadly devices pose an ongoing threat to civilians long after conflicts have ended, making it impossible for communities to rebuild and recover. By removing these hazards from the ground, The Halo Trust helps create safe spaces where people can live, work, and thrive.
The work of The Halo Trust is critical because landmines and other ERW are indiscriminate killers that do not distinguish between soldiers or civilians. They remain hidden underground for years or even decades after conflicts have ended, waiting silently for unsuspecting victims to trigger them. In many cases, they maim or kill innocent children who mistake them for toys or curiosities.
To combat this threat head-on, The Halo Trust employs a range of specialized techniques and technologies designed specifically for mine clearance operations. These include manual demining using metal detectors and prodders; mechanical demining using machines such as flails; canine detection using specially trained dogs; surveying using drones; risk education programs aimed at teaching communities how to stay safe around mines; among others.
One of the key strengths of The Halo Trust is its ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances on the ground. Whether responding rapidly to new emergencies or developing innovative solutions tailored specifically for local contexts, The organization prides itself on being agile and responsive.
Over its three-decade history, The Halo Trust has achieved some remarkable results. To date it has cleared over 13 million square meters of landmine-contaminated land - an area roughly equivalent in size to New York City's Central Park - making it safe again for people to use without fear of injury or death.
But there is still much work left undone. According to estimates by Landmine Monitor Report 2020 , there were still more than 50 million unexploded mines scattered across dozens of countries worldwide at end-2019 . This means that millions more people continue living under constant threat from these deadly devices every day.
To address this challenge head-on requires sustained effort from all stakeholders involved - governments , international organizations , private sector entities , civil society groups , among others . But with continued support from donors around the world who share our vision of a safer future free from mines & ERWs , we believe we can make significant progress towards achieving our goal .
In conclusion , if you're looking for an organization that makes a real difference in people's lives by protecting them against one of humanity's most insidious threats – then look no further than The halo trust . With their expertise & dedication they are truly making a difference on-the-ground every day!