The HALO Trust

The HALO Trust’s mission is to save lives and restore the livelihoods of those affected by conflict by clearing landmines and explosives from war-torn regions.

Kosovo

In Arllat, a village in Kosovo, cluster submunitions used by NATO forces are still being discovered 25 years after the end of the war. Due to its strategic location, the village was targeted during the 1999 Kosovo War and remains contaminated with these dangerous explosives.

Abedin Bujupi, a local school, is only 100 meters away from a hazardous area. During peace keeping operations at the end of the Kosovo War, Lieutenant Gareth Evans, SSgt Balaram Rai, and three locals—Osman Krasniqi, Sami Gashi, and Milaim Gashi—were tragically killed while courageously clearing hundreds of cluster submunitions from the old school site.

HALO’s work here is vital. Children are especially at risk of harm as they can mistake these round-shaped cluster munitions as toys. In the past few years, as the village has expanded, several dangerous explosives have been found by locals during construction work. And residents continue to find explosives in their yards and in their gardens.

Fundraising Event

On June 20, we will gather at The Ship at Upavon and embark on a 10 mile pilgrimage to Stonehenge, where we will join the crowds for the Summer Solstice.

This event provides a unique opportunity to experience the historic celebration, walk among the stones, and observe the pagan rituals and ceremonies that occur on this special date. Sunrise is at 4:41am.

The pilgrimage also allows us to reflect on the sacrifices made by the HALO Trust team and all United Nation and NATO troops who have served in Kosovo and the wider Balkans.

Notably, June 21 also marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic incident that claimed the lives of Lieutenant Gareth Evans, SSgt Balaram Rai, and the three brave Kosovar locals who were clearing the school site to ensure the safety of returning refugees.

Lest we forget.