HALO Trust leads the way to 'mine free' Mozambique

US aid helps bring security and development to thousands of people

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Sep 17, 2015, 10:37 ET

DUMFRIES, Scotland, Sept. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the government of Mozambique officially declared the country free of landmines and international mine clearance charity The HALO Trust confirmed it had destroyed the last known mine on its territory.

Mozambique was one of the most mined countries in the world following its 15-year civil war, which claimed around 1 million lives. Following the war, approximately 5 million people fled their homes. Before HALO began its pioneering program in 1993, landmines caused hundreds of accidents, including fatalities and amputations.

Amelia Jorge, pictured here, was hired by The HALO Trust in 2013. She's helped the effort to destroy the last known landmine in Mozambique, a 22-year effort beginning in 1993. The charity's demobilization program will now help her find new work.

"Destroying what we believe to be Mozambique's last remaining mine was a truly momentous experience for me," said Cindy McCain, Chairman, HALO USA. "It was a privilege to witness such a milestone alongside the Mozambican de-miners who had toiled so hard with the HALO Trust to rid their country of landmines. Thanks to HALO, parents are now at peace while their children play, businesses can flourish and major infrastructure can be built on land that was once strewn with the deadly debris of war."

Ridding Mozambique of landmines brings enormous benefits to its 26 million citizens. Communities can now cultivate crops and graze livestock safely. Mine clearance has helped the country develop its infrastructure, access vital commodities such as gas and coal, increase tourism and attract international investment. Mozambique's GDP has grown 7 percent a year since HALO began demining and it is now one of the world's fastest growing economies.

"The US Department of State has funded The HALO Trust's work in southern Africa since 2000 and is proud of the partnership between Mozambique, the United States, other donor states, and humanitarian demining organizations, like HALO, which led to a renewed Mozambique, free from the impact of landmines," said Mark Cassayre, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Maputo, Mozambique. "Thanks to our collective efforts, hundreds of thousands of people are able to move freely without fear of losing their limbs or lives to landmines. The Department of State congratulates HALO on its role in this achievement and wishes the Mozambican people peace and security in its future."

More than 1,600 Mozambican men and women have been employed by HALO over the last two decades. Utilizing both manual and mechanical demining methods, they have made over 17 million square metres of land safe. Overall, HALO personnel cleared more than 171,000 landmines, accounting for about 80 percent of the total destroyed.

"Mozambique is a compelling example of how dealing with the deadly debris of war systematically and in partnership with government, local people and donors can bring stability, recovery and growth to countries ravaged by war," said James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust. HALO is proud to have been part of such a powerful legacy and hopes today's news provides the momentum to strive for a mine free world by 2025."

The mine destroyed by HALO at Mafambisse in Safala is considered the last to be cleared in Mozambique from a known minefield, supporting compliance with Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

"This is a proud day for Mozambique. Ridding our country of landmines was tremendously difficult, but the bravery and determination of our demining teams proves to the world that it is possible for countries to become mine free," said Alberto Augusto, Director of the Mozambique Institute for Demining. "We are truly grateful to those who risked their lives in order to protect those of our children and future Mozambicans."

To read more about the impact in Mozambique, view videos and local case studies of personal and economic impact and for facts, maps and timelines that highlight the 22 years of work on an historic achievement, visit http://halotrust.org/where-we-work/mozambique.

About The HALO Trust

The HALO Trust was founded in 1988 and has over 6,000 full-time staff operating in conflict and post conflict zones in 17 countries and territories including: Abkhazia, Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Colombia, Georgia, Ivory Coast, Kosovo, Laos, Mozambique, Nagorno Karabakh, Somaliland, Sri Lanka, West Bank and Zimbabwe. HALO's mission is to lead the effort to protect lives and restore livelihoods threatened by landmines and the debris of war.