About
The humanitarian situation in Colombia is deteriorating. Colombia continues to suffer from widespread antipersonnel mines and other explosive ordnance (EO) contamination, alongside an increase in the use of EO by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) as a strategy of social and territorial control. As of 31 December 2025, Colombia recorded 12,658 victims of antipersonnel mines and unexploded ordnance. Of all incidents, 81% resulted in injuries, and 19% in fatalities, meaning that approximately one in five victims dies as a result of EO accidents. Between 1 January and 31 December 2025, the National Mine Action Centre recorded 136 new victims, representing a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Out of the total amount, 32% of the victims were civilians (4% women, 96% men) and 68% members of the armed forces (100% men). A change in trend is observed compared to the previous 7 years, where the majority of victims were civilians.
The use of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS/drones) by NSAGs to transport, launch, and detonate EO is on the rise. Between January and May 2025, casualties from EO launched via UAVs rose by 342% compared to the same period in 2024. As the lead agency of the Mine Action Area of Responsibility (MA AoR), UNMAS estimates that by 2026, the number of people in need (PiN) due to the presence of explosive devices will reach approximately 813,000, representing an 18% increase compared to 2025. The most affected departments are Antioquia, Cauca, Chocó, Nariño, Norte de Santander and Valle del Cauca, which together account for 61% of the PiN. It is estimated that at least 185 municipalities are at imminent risk due to the presence of explosive devices.
Impact
Since 2010, UNMAS has played a pivotal role in building the capacity of government institutions, including the Office of the Counselor Commissioner for Peace (OCCP), the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Planning Department, and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP). This support has enhanced their technical and operational capabilities, as well as their understanding of this unique and specialized sector. In 2025, UNMAS' key tasks have included:
- Provide strategic guidance to the Humanitarian Country Team during the humanitarian transition, ensuring that HMA remains integrated within broader humanitarian priorities.
- Provide technical assistance to enhance information collection, HMA reports, and security risk management across the HMA sector.
- Support local authorities in managing EO-related emergencies, providing guidance to victims, conducting EO risk education (EORE) sessions to safeguard communities, and carrying out awareness sessions for public officials in the affected departments in Colombia (Cauca, Chocó, Nariño, Norte de Santander and Putumayo)
- Following the JEP’s landmark ruling in Macrocase 01 addressing hostage-taking, severe deprivation of liberty, and other concurrent crimes by the FARC-EP and recognizing mine action as a key restorative measure for the victims, UNMAS is providing targeted technical assistance to turn this judicial milestone into concrete action on the ground.
Activities
UNMAS Colombia strengthens the capacity of the national mine action sector, contributes to the peace processes, and mitigates the threat posed by EO to civilians as well as humanitarian and development actors through four pillars of work:
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
UNMAS aims to strengthen the MA sector’s operational, institutional, and coordination capacities. UNMAS provides technical assistance to MA authorities and the broader sector to strengthen the humanitarian response and coordination efforts. Through various training programs, UNMAS has improved the national Mine Action Center (MAC) capacity in areas such as planning, implementing MA policies, and preparing technical documents.
EORE and Victim Assistance
EORE sessions are carried out for affected communities in emergency to promote safe behaviors in the affected departments. UNMAS also provides guidance to EO victims and refers them to the victim assistance pathway of the Colombian State. Furthermore, UNMAS raises awareness on MA matters with public officials, including topics related to the government's victim assistance pathway, EO report and supporting the design or update of departmental and municipal victim assistance pathways.
Mine Action in the Peace Agreement Implementation
UNMAS provides technical assistance for a tripartite mechanism comprised of OCCP/MAC, former FARC-EP, and UN Verification Mission in Colombia, in collecting available information on possible EO-contaminated areas. In 2025, UNMAS has provided support for the implementation of the final phase, which includes technical and strategic aspects of the EO installed during the conflict with FARC-EP.
Advocacy and Coordination
UNMAS advocates for the MA integration into national policy frameworks, working closely with the Government of Colombia, the United Nations System, donors, and NGOs. Through the MA AoR, UNMAS provides technical assistance, strengthens national and local technical capacities, and coordinates joint advocacy efforts. UNMAS also supports the development of the National Victim Assistance Standard, in line with International Mine Action Standards, to promote coherent, rights-based assistance for survivors. In addition, UNMAS contributes to the renewal of the National MA Policy (expired in 2019) and advances efforts to promote the inclusion of risk education messages for communities exposed to emerging threats, such as EO launched via UAVs/drones, thereby enhancing preparedness and resilience.
Funding
UNMAS is thankful to the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the Republic of Korea, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) for their contributions in 2025.