Signature of the peace agreement in Colombia: there is still much to do to demine the country
On the occasion of the historical peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Handicap International call to mind that there is still much to do to decontaminate the country.
Carlos Filo, an anti-personal landmine victim, is sitting in his home. | © Gaël Turine / VU - Colombia 2008
According to the 2013 Landmine Monitor Report, Colombia is the 2nd country of the world in terms of victims of mines, just behind Afghanistan. 50 years of civil war have contaminated 31 of the 32 departments of the country and generated thousands of victims of anti-personnel mines. Between 1990 and 2013, more than 10.000 victims have been counted. Almost half of them was civilians including 26% of children.
Handicap International is acting in Colombia since 1998 but the NGO is fighting against landmines in the country since 2005. The association is supporting the victims so they have access to assistance, especially putting them into relation with the healing structures, rehabilitation sessions, psychosocial help and support to get a job and a place in society.
