4 children deaths due to Unexploded Ordnance in Colombia
Government sources in Colombia reports this year (so far..) a total of 7 deaths and up to 30 injured as victims of the presence of Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) within Colombia in which four of the deaths reported, includes children.
According to sources, since 1990 up to 255 deaths of minors has been reported from cause of anti-personal mines.
The official figure released this year by the International Red Cross suggests that year 2020 so far has seen 118 victims of anti-mines or other UXO. The numbers representing 83 civilians, 17 minors and 35 members of the public forces or illegal armed groups. Even though the figures do not differentiate between fatalities or injuries, the figures dictate as being the highest through the last 3 years with an increase of 45.6% in injuries.
Numbers reported by the Colombian Government & international agencies often differentiate due to the reporting process involved however the 37 deaths documented by the Colombian Government this year are reported from Antioquia, Norte de Santander, Cauca and Bolivar with the most numbers being from Nariño. Nariño being the department on the Colombian & Ecuadorian border which has seen a high presence of illegal criminal group activity.
It is reported that groups such as the ELN, Clan del Golfo and FARC dissedents continue to lay explosive artifacts in various departments in order to control territory.
According to sources Colombia holds a total balance, in 30 years (since 1990) of 11,841 victims of UXO activity which places Colombia in second place in the ranking of countries with the most afflicted by minefields worldwide.
The risk of UXOs to International travellers within remote areas of Colombia is high. Black Mountain Solutions recommends a risk assessment conducted in order to identify any risks & impacts towards any international organisations with a robust Journey Management Plan in place, complimented with Security trained drivers that have a sound working knowledge of the regions, risks and threats.