Landmines are omnipresent in conflict zones in Colombia, a country ravaged by armed violence. Thousands of people fall victim to this scourge and the vast majority of survivors suffer from a disability. Since 2017, HI has been implementing mine clearance actions in five Colombian departments (Cauca, Meta, Nariño, Antioquia and Caquetá) and assisting victims (psychosocial support and rehabilitation care). HI provides communities with risk education on mines and explosive remnants of war.
The organisation also provides support for disabled people's organisations so that they can be part of the decision-making processes relating to the inclusion of the most vulnerable people in society and improve recognition of their rights.
HI also aims to protect indigenous communities, particularly women and girls, in Antioquia and Nariño from violence and abuse.
HI helps Venezuelan refugees living in Colombia by providing them with psychosocial support and rehabilitation care and by organising activities to promote social cohesion between Venezuelan refugees and Colombians.
The organisation has been working on mitigating the effects of COVID-19 by helping public actors adopt inclusive strategies, implementing training sessions and supporting vulnerable people and people with disabilities.
Lastly, HI aims to improve the inclusion and protection of the most vulnerable people in natural disaster risk management and preparedness.