A Scottish charity has recently received over £7 million in funding from the UK Government to further their efforts in clearing landmines in Ukraine and Afghanistan. The HALO Trust, based in Dumfries and Galloway, has been working tirelessly to remove these deadly devices and ensure the safety of communities living in affected areas.
International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds visited the HALO Trust headquarters to announce the extended support for the charity’s crucial work. The funding will not only aid in clearing landmines in Ukraine and Afghanistan but will also support the disposal of unsafe ammunition and explosives in Somaliland.
Ms. Dodds highlighted the importance of organisations like HALO Trust in creating safer environments for people living in conflict-ridden regions. She emphasized the significance of freeing up land for farming and facilitating the safe return of individuals to their communities.
Since 2014, the UK Government’s Global Mine Action Programme has played a pivotal role in supporting charitable organisations like HALO Trust. This recent funding allocation will allow HALO Trust to continue its demining efforts in Afghanistan and Ukraine until March 2026.
In addition to clearing landmines, the charity will also focus on disposing of unserviceable ammunition and explosives in Somaliland. The funding will not only save lives but also contribute to the overall growth and development of vulnerable communities.
Ruth Jackson, Chief Strategy Officer at HALO Trust, expressed gratitude for the funding, emphasizing the importance of clearing all deadly unexploded mines and munitions to facilitate genuine recovery from conflict. She highlighted the significant impact the funding will have on the lives of thousands of individuals at risk from explosive contamination.
As efforts continue to clear landmines and make affected areas safe for communities, the partnership between charitable organizations and government entities remains crucial in ensuring a safer and more peaceful future for all.