The HALO Trust
@thehalotrust.bsky.social
The HALO Trust is an international organisation that clears landmines and other explosives in war-torn areas. Our mission is to protect lives and restore the livelihoods of those affected by conflict. https://www.halotrust.org/
“The problem is monumental. There are so many affected regions. Every day we get calls from people begging us to clear their land."
HALO’s Zakaria el-Othman spoke to @csmonitor.bsky.social as 'tens of thousands of displaced families' return home to land littered with explosives in #Syria.
HALO’s Zakaria el-Othman spoke to @csmonitor.bsky.social as 'tens of thousands of displaced families' return home to land littered with explosives in #Syria.
In Syria, unexploded ordnance prolongs the casualties of an ended war
In Syria, unexploded ordnance prolongs the casualties of an ended war
www.csmonitor.com
July 14, 2025 at 11:29 AM
“The problem is monumental. There are so many affected regions. Every day we get calls from people begging us to clear their land."
HALO’s Zakaria el-Othman spoke to @csmonitor.bsky.social as 'tens of thousands of displaced families' return home to land littered with explosives in #Syria.
HALO’s Zakaria el-Othman spoke to @csmonitor.bsky.social as 'tens of thousands of displaced families' return home to land littered with explosives in #Syria.
Changing weather has led to land degradation, reduced water and biodiversity loss in Somaliland.
Landmines further impact agriculture and clearance is often a first step in restoring land & livelihoods, though clearance can also impact the environment as vegetation is removed.
Landmines further impact agriculture and clearance is often a first step in restoring land & livelihoods, though clearance can also impact the environment as vegetation is removed.
July 7, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Changing weather has led to land degradation, reduced water and biodiversity loss in Somaliland.
Landmines further impact agriculture and clearance is often a first step in restoring land & livelihoods, though clearance can also impact the environment as vegetation is removed.
Landmines further impact agriculture and clearance is often a first step in restoring land & livelihoods, though clearance can also impact the environment as vegetation is removed.
For decades, #Jaffna was littered with landmines and cut off.
We’ve been in #SriLanka since 2002 and have now cleared 300,000 mines, allowing the north of the island to open to tourists.
As we celebrate our local deminers' incredible progress, join us on a tour of Jaffna, Sri Lanka's hidden gem:
We’ve been in #SriLanka since 2002 and have now cleared 300,000 mines, allowing the north of the island to open to tourists.
As we celebrate our local deminers' incredible progress, join us on a tour of Jaffna, Sri Lanka's hidden gem:
June 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by The HALO Trust
Germany is actively helping to increase security in Syria through our humanitarian demining partnerships with @thehalotrust.bsky.social and @hi-deutschland.bsky.social. Mines and unexploded ordnance pose a deadly threat to millions in Syria – both those still there and those hoping to return home.
June 9, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Germany is actively helping to increase security in Syria through our humanitarian demining partnerships with @thehalotrust.bsky.social and @hi-deutschland.bsky.social. Mines and unexploded ordnance pose a deadly threat to millions in Syria – both those still there and those hoping to return home.
#Syria: Since the Assad regime fell last year, mine accidents have killed or injured over 1,000 people. Tragically, the true count may be much higher.
Almost two million people who fled conflict in Syria have returned home to find their towns, villages and fields contaminated with deadly ordnance.
Almost two million people who fled conflict in Syria have returned home to find their towns, villages and fields contaminated with deadly ordnance.
May 29, 2025 at 3:53 PM
#Syria: Since the Assad regime fell last year, mine accidents have killed or injured over 1,000 people. Tragically, the true count may be much higher.
Almost two million people who fled conflict in Syria have returned home to find their towns, villages and fields contaminated with deadly ordnance.
Almost two million people who fled conflict in Syria have returned home to find their towns, villages and fields contaminated with deadly ordnance.
🎥 "Landmines kill and maim long after wars end. The victims are often children."
In this 'Talk to Al Jazeera' interview, our CEO James Cowan discusses all aspects of our life-saving work - from Ukraine to Afghanistan, Syria and beyond.
Watch now on @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social
bit.ly/4j9vZJS
In this 'Talk to Al Jazeera' interview, our CEO James Cowan discusses all aspects of our life-saving work - from Ukraine to Afghanistan, Syria and beyond.
Watch now on @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social
bit.ly/4j9vZJS
James Cowan on clearing landmines and the legacy of war
Landmine-clearing NGO chief explains how explosives still kill in peacetime, why world is failing to clean up its wars.
www.aljazeera.com
May 12, 2025 at 2:35 PM
🎥 "Landmines kill and maim long after wars end. The victims are often children."
In this 'Talk to Al Jazeera' interview, our CEO James Cowan discusses all aspects of our life-saving work - from Ukraine to Afghanistan, Syria and beyond.
Watch now on @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social
bit.ly/4j9vZJS
In this 'Talk to Al Jazeera' interview, our CEO James Cowan discusses all aspects of our life-saving work - from Ukraine to Afghanistan, Syria and beyond.
Watch now on @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social
bit.ly/4j9vZJS
Today is #VEDay80, marking 80 years since the end of #WWII in Europe.
While VE Day saw a huge outpouring of joy, we know from our experience of clearing conflict zones all over the world that the threat of unexploded bombs, mines and munitions lives on long after the fighting stops.
While VE Day saw a huge outpouring of joy, we know from our experience of clearing conflict zones all over the world that the threat of unexploded bombs, mines and munitions lives on long after the fighting stops.
May 8, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Reposted by The HALO Trust
⭐Can you push the boundaries of innovation in risk management mine action? Have groundbreaking ideas with real-world impact? There is still time to submit your ideas for our GICHD Innovation Award 2025! Apply by 20 May 2025 (extended deadline) 👇
link.gichd.org/InnovationAw...
link.gichd.org/InnovationAw...
May 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
⭐Can you push the boundaries of innovation in risk management mine action? Have groundbreaking ideas with real-world impact? There is still time to submit your ideas for our GICHD Innovation Award 2025! Apply by 20 May 2025 (extended deadline) 👇
link.gichd.org/InnovationAw...
link.gichd.org/InnovationAw...
Reposted by The HALO Trust
Powerful & moving testimony at @parliament.scot CPG on #InternationalDevelopment, hearing updates from @decscotland.bsky.social on #Myanmar, @islamicreliefuk.bsky.social on #Sudan, @actionforhumanity.bsky.social on #Gaza & @thehalotrust.bsky.social on #Ukraine - intdevalliance.scot/news-view/cr...
April 30, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Powerful & moving testimony at @parliament.scot CPG on #InternationalDevelopment, hearing updates from @decscotland.bsky.social on #Myanmar, @islamicreliefuk.bsky.social on #Sudan, @actionforhumanity.bsky.social on #Gaza & @thehalotrust.bsky.social on #Ukraine - intdevalliance.scot/news-view/cr...
In 2020, HALO cleared mines from Christ's Baptism Site on the banks of the River Jordan, allowing worshippers to safely return to a site that had been abandoned for 50 years.
We were honoured that Pope Francis acknowledged our work, as we mourn his passing and thank him for his commitment to peace.
We were honoured that Pope Francis acknowledged our work, as we mourn his passing and thank him for his commitment to peace.
April 22, 2025 at 11:29 AM
In 2020, HALO cleared mines from Christ's Baptism Site on the banks of the River Jordan, allowing worshippers to safely return to a site that had been abandoned for 50 years.
We were honoured that Pope Francis acknowledged our work, as we mourn his passing and thank him for his commitment to peace.
We were honoured that Pope Francis acknowledged our work, as we mourn his passing and thank him for his commitment to peace.
Reposted by The HALO Trust
In Bajgorë/a, land once filled with landmines is now home to cottages, hikers, and wind turbines.
Thanks to @npaid.bsky.social, @thehalotrust.bsky.social, Kosovo Mine Action Centre, with EU support, land is safely returned to communities, creating new opportunities for tourism, green energy &jobs.
Thanks to @npaid.bsky.social, @thehalotrust.bsky.social, Kosovo Mine Action Centre, with EU support, land is safely returned to communities, creating new opportunities for tourism, green energy &jobs.
April 16, 2025 at 10:56 AM
In Bajgorë/a, land once filled with landmines is now home to cottages, hikers, and wind turbines.
Thanks to @npaid.bsky.social, @thehalotrust.bsky.social, Kosovo Mine Action Centre, with EU support, land is safely returned to communities, creating new opportunities for tourism, green energy &jobs.
Thanks to @npaid.bsky.social, @thehalotrust.bsky.social, Kosovo Mine Action Centre, with EU support, land is safely returned to communities, creating new opportunities for tourism, green energy &jobs.
Thank you to @news.dw.com, who observed our expert deminers' work in #Syria, where "nearly a third of the population are affected by explosive contamination."
Families are returning home after the fall of Assad to find their land littered with deadly hazards: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NE1...
Families are returning home after the fall of Assad to find their land littered with deadly hazards: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NE1...
Syria faces painstaking task of clearing wartime landmines | DW News
YouTube video by DW News
www.youtube.com
April 16, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Thank you to @news.dw.com, who observed our expert deminers' work in #Syria, where "nearly a third of the population are affected by explosive contamination."
Families are returning home after the fall of Assad to find their land littered with deadly hazards: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NE1...
Families are returning home after the fall of Assad to find their land littered with deadly hazards: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NE1...
🎥 “#Syria is at a crossroads."
"There’s a huge opportunity for HALO and everyone in the sector to make a massive difference in the lives of Syrians and really address the problem of mine contamination at scale.”
HALO’s Nick Torbet, speaking from the 🇨🇭 #NDMUN28 Mine Action Conference:
"There’s a huge opportunity for HALO and everyone in the sector to make a massive difference in the lives of Syrians and really address the problem of mine contamination at scale.”
HALO’s Nick Torbet, speaking from the 🇨🇭 #NDMUN28 Mine Action Conference:
April 9, 2025 at 4:11 PM
🎥 “#Syria is at a crossroads."
"There’s a huge opportunity for HALO and everyone in the sector to make a massive difference in the lives of Syrians and really address the problem of mine contamination at scale.”
HALO’s Nick Torbet, speaking from the 🇨🇭 #NDMUN28 Mine Action Conference:
"There’s a huge opportunity for HALO and everyone in the sector to make a massive difference in the lives of Syrians and really address the problem of mine contamination at scale.”
HALO’s Nick Torbet, speaking from the 🇨🇭 #NDMUN28 Mine Action Conference:
This week, we’re in 🇨🇭 Geneva for the #NDMUN28 Mine Action Conference.
Today, we’re hosting a side event with
@undp.org, @unep.org and @germany.diplo.de, discussing how demining operators can best support reconstruction in urban environments devastated by conflict.
➡️ bit.ly/3G0Af0i
Today, we’re hosting a side event with
@undp.org, @unep.org and @germany.diplo.de, discussing how demining operators can best support reconstruction in urban environments devastated by conflict.
➡️ bit.ly/3G0Af0i
April 9, 2025 at 9:06 AM
This week, we’re in 🇨🇭 Geneva for the #NDMUN28 Mine Action Conference.
Today, we’re hosting a side event with
@undp.org, @unep.org and @germany.diplo.de, discussing how demining operators can best support reconstruction in urban environments devastated by conflict.
➡️ bit.ly/3G0Af0i
Today, we’re hosting a side event with
@undp.org, @unep.org and @germany.diplo.de, discussing how demining operators can best support reconstruction in urban environments devastated by conflict.
➡️ bit.ly/3G0Af0i
Reposted by The HALO Trust
Jeder Schritt abseits gesicherter Wege kann tödlich sein: In über 60 Ländern bedrohen #Minen und Kampfmittelrückstände Menschenleben. Mit unserer Unterstützung für Minenräumung, Aufklärung und Opferfürsorge schaffen wir sichere Räume für Millionen Menschen. #MineAction
April 4, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Jeder Schritt abseits gesicherter Wege kann tödlich sein: In über 60 Ländern bedrohen #Minen und Kampfmittelrückstände Menschenleben. Mit unserer Unterstützung für Minenräumung, Aufklärung und Opferfürsorge schaffen wir sichere Räume für Millionen Menschen. #MineAction
🧵(1/2): Today, a delegation of ambassadors will trace Princess Diana's footsteps in Huambo, 🇦🇴 Angola, where HALO’s demining has transformed the area beyond recognition.
In 1997, Diana walked through what was a minefield. It was a walk that forced the world to sit up and take notice.
In 1997, Diana walked through what was a minefield. It was a walk that forced the world to sit up and take notice.
April 1, 2025 at 8:20 AM
🧵(1/2): Today, a delegation of ambassadors will trace Princess Diana's footsteps in Huambo, 🇦🇴 Angola, where HALO’s demining has transformed the area beyond recognition.
In 1997, Diana walked through what was a minefield. It was a walk that forced the world to sit up and take notice.
In 1997, Diana walked through what was a minefield. It was a walk that forced the world to sit up and take notice.
12 HALO staff have successfully completed Explosive Ordnance (EOD) training in #Syria.
Thanks to @germany.diplo.de funding, those staff will begin their life-saving work next month - protecting communities who are returning home to find their land contaminated with deadly explosives.
Thanks to @germany.diplo.de funding, those staff will begin their life-saving work next month - protecting communities who are returning home to find their land contaminated with deadly explosives.
March 31, 2025 at 3:49 PM
12 HALO staff have successfully completed Explosive Ordnance (EOD) training in #Syria.
Thanks to @germany.diplo.de funding, those staff will begin their life-saving work next month - protecting communities who are returning home to find their land contaminated with deadly explosives.
Thanks to @germany.diplo.de funding, those staff will begin their life-saving work next month - protecting communities who are returning home to find their land contaminated with deadly explosives.
Reposted by The HALO Trust
The highest concentration of unexploded devices is along old frontlines in Aleppo and Idlib, @thehalotrust.bsky.social found.
Here, Assad forces uprooted olive trees, made earth barricades, planted mines and booby traps to cause maximum harm.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/features/syr...
Here, Assad forces uprooted olive trees, made earth barricades, planted mines and booby traps to cause maximum harm.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/features/syr...
Syrians returning home confront the terror of hidden explosives
Amidst the rubble of a devastated Syria, millions of civilians are confronted by the hidden dangers of explosive devices, hindering their attempts to rebuild
www.newarab.com
March 29, 2025 at 7:48 AM
The highest concentration of unexploded devices is along old frontlines in Aleppo and Idlib, @thehalotrust.bsky.social found.
Here, Assad forces uprooted olive trees, made earth barricades, planted mines and booby traps to cause maximum harm.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/features/syr...
Here, Assad forces uprooted olive trees, made earth barricades, planted mines and booby traps to cause maximum harm.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/features/syr...
The German Foreign Office (GFFO - @germany.diplo.de) supports HALO with a €5M grant to boost demining in #Syria.
Our CEO James Cowan said: “We're extremely grateful to the GFFO. As millions of Syrians return, this funding will help avoid deaths and injuries."
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/4c1Y8R4
Our CEO James Cowan said: “We're extremely grateful to the GFFO. As millions of Syrians return, this funding will help avoid deaths and injuries."
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/4c1Y8R4
March 25, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The German Foreign Office (GFFO - @germany.diplo.de) supports HALO with a €5M grant to boost demining in #Syria.
Our CEO James Cowan said: “We're extremely grateful to the GFFO. As millions of Syrians return, this funding will help avoid deaths and injuries."
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/4c1Y8R4
Our CEO James Cowan said: “We're extremely grateful to the GFFO. As millions of Syrians return, this funding will help avoid deaths and injuries."
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/4c1Y8R4
HALO Global Ambassador Josh Kennedy-White visited #Afghanistan to witness our work first-hand.
In this LinkedIn article, Josh reflects on a land that "bears the deep scars of past conflicts," where HALO's clearance work is a vital first step for a safer, more prosperous future.
➡️ bit.ly/4iUHgOg
In this LinkedIn article, Josh reflects on a land that "bears the deep scars of past conflicts," where HALO's clearance work is a vital first step for a safer, more prosperous future.
➡️ bit.ly/4iUHgOg
March 19, 2025 at 4:21 PM
HALO Global Ambassador Josh Kennedy-White visited #Afghanistan to witness our work first-hand.
In this LinkedIn article, Josh reflects on a land that "bears the deep scars of past conflicts," where HALO's clearance work is a vital first step for a safer, more prosperous future.
➡️ bit.ly/4iUHgOg
In this LinkedIn article, Josh reflects on a land that "bears the deep scars of past conflicts," where HALO's clearance work is a vital first step for a safer, more prosperous future.
➡️ bit.ly/4iUHgOg
"It’s minus 14 degrees, a sunny February day and - words I never thought I’d ever write - I’m walking through a live minefield in the most mined country in the world."
HALO was delighted to host Rachel Johnson in Bervytsia village, Ukraine for @lbc.co.uk:
www.lbc.co.uk/opinion/view...
HALO was delighted to host Rachel Johnson in Bervytsia village, Ukraine for @lbc.co.uk:
www.lbc.co.uk/opinion/view...
Ukraine’s mine-ridden ghost villages are being reclaimed - but it's the deadliest job in the world
It’s minus 14 degrees, a sunny February day and - words I never thought I’d ever write - I’m walking through a live minefield in the most mined country in the world.
www.lbc.co.uk
March 6, 2025 at 4:22 PM
"It’s minus 14 degrees, a sunny February day and - words I never thought I’d ever write - I’m walking through a live minefield in the most mined country in the world."
HALO was delighted to host Rachel Johnson in Bervytsia village, Ukraine for @lbc.co.uk:
www.lbc.co.uk/opinion/view...
HALO was delighted to host Rachel Johnson in Bervytsia village, Ukraine for @lbc.co.uk:
www.lbc.co.uk/opinion/view...
🎥 Three years of war in #Ukraine has left huge amounts of land contaminated with deadly mines and explosives.
HALO will continue to make the land safe so families can return home and farmers can grow grain - building a more secure future for the people of Ukraine:
HALO will continue to make the land safe so families can return home and farmers can grow grain - building a more secure future for the people of Ukraine:
February 24, 2025 at 1:28 PM
🎥 Three years of war in #Ukraine has left huge amounts of land contaminated with deadly mines and explosives.
HALO will continue to make the land safe so families can return home and farmers can grow grain - building a more secure future for the people of Ukraine:
HALO will continue to make the land safe so families can return home and farmers can grow grain - building a more secure future for the people of Ukraine:
💡 “Working with Amazon Web Services and using AI will transform the way we work," says Matthew Abercrombie, Head of Research and Development at The HALO Trust.
As part of AWS's Pioneers Project, Matthew discusses HALO’s use of drones and AI to clear landmines more quickly: bit.ly/4kcC6P1
As part of AWS's Pioneers Project, Matthew discusses HALO’s use of drones and AI to clear landmines more quickly: bit.ly/4kcC6P1
The HALO Trust is helping eradicate the dangers of landmines
HALO is working with AWS to clear landmines faster using drone technology and AI.
bit.ly
February 21, 2025 at 2:18 PM
💡 “Working with Amazon Web Services and using AI will transform the way we work," says Matthew Abercrombie, Head of Research and Development at The HALO Trust.
As part of AWS's Pioneers Project, Matthew discusses HALO’s use of drones and AI to clear landmines more quickly: bit.ly/4kcC6P1
As part of AWS's Pioneers Project, Matthew discusses HALO’s use of drones and AI to clear landmines more quickly: bit.ly/4kcC6P1
🎥 Whatever the future holds for #Ukraine, The HALO Trust will be at the cutting edge of mine clearance technology - keeping farmers and families safe and paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future. ⬇️
February 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM
🎥 Whatever the future holds for #Ukraine, The HALO Trust will be at the cutting edge of mine clearance technology - keeping farmers and families safe and paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future. ⬇️
A rising star saving lives in Angola. ✨
Rita Vambe's journey with HALO began as a deminer before she rose to the role of Sub-unit Commander, leading teams to make land safe for communities in Cuito Cuanavale.
"I joined HALO to help rid my country of landmines," says Rita.
Rita Vambe's journey with HALO began as a deminer before she rose to the role of Sub-unit Commander, leading teams to make land safe for communities in Cuito Cuanavale.
"I joined HALO to help rid my country of landmines," says Rita.
February 20, 2025 at 1:31 PM
A rising star saving lives in Angola. ✨
Rita Vambe's journey with HALO began as a deminer before she rose to the role of Sub-unit Commander, leading teams to make land safe for communities in Cuito Cuanavale.
"I joined HALO to help rid my country of landmines," says Rita.
Rita Vambe's journey with HALO began as a deminer before she rose to the role of Sub-unit Commander, leading teams to make land safe for communities in Cuito Cuanavale.
"I joined HALO to help rid my country of landmines," says Rita.