In the framework of the commemoration of the International Day for Awareness against Anti-Personnel Mines, mine clearance specialists of Colombian National Army unite to reject the use of these devices, to honor the victims and also to reaffirm their commitment to return life, security and hope to the hit territories.
Soldiers of the Humanitarian Demining Engineers Brigade, anti-personnel mine survivors of the Military Forces and students gathered at the Nueva Granada Military University, in Bogotá, to commemorate this important date and reflect on the impact of demining on peacebuilding.
During the activity, Lieutenant Colonel Joel Umbarila Cadena, operations officer of the Humanitarian Demining Engineer Brigade, highlighted: "The Brigade currently has the responsibility of intervening in 69 municipalities and areas of the country. This year we have been able to clear territories of suspected mines in La Montañita and Florencia, in the department of Caquetá, as well as in Toledo, Norte de Santander department. Behind each free territory there are families who return, children who return to play without fear and peasants who resume their labor of sowing life. The goal is to progress in the presentation of 15 more territories this year; but beyond any figure, what drives us is the commitment to each community."
The event, in the same way consolidated, as a space for learning, inspiration and transformation. The Comprehensive Legal Department of Colombian National Army and the Nueva Granada Military University holds the talk Transform to transform, led by Francisco Pedraza, first sergeant, National Army veteran, national champion and multiple medalist in Paralympic sport, who today stands out as a motivational and leadership lecturer. His testimony became an example of resilience, overcoming and strength and inspired the attendees to transform adversities into life opportunities.
The activity was accompanied by an showcase of the paravolleyball team of the League of Athletes with Disabilities of the Military Forces, where, through sport, it was evidenced that discipline, teamwork and determination have no limits, sending a powerful message of inclusion, hope and ability to overcome.
As part of the experience, the mine clearance specialists carried out a demonstration track in which students and visitors got to know up close the manual, trained dog and mechanical demining resources used by members of the Military Forces. In the same way, education on the risk of anti-personnel mines was promoted, strengthening awareness and prevention in the community.
In addition, there was a stand for productive projects led by inhabitants of territories that are now free of suspicion of anti-personnel mines. These initiatives reflect how the recovery of the lands not only returns security, but in the same way opens the door to economic progress and new life opportunities.
The activity concluded with a powerful awareness-raising message addressed to national and international people, in which the dire consequences of the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel mines as an illicit method of combat in armed conflicts were seen.
This space reaffirmed the commitment to continue working for a country free of antipersonnel mines, where life, dignity and hope prevail over any form of violence.
Source: Press - Humanitarian Demining Brigade
