Prince Harry Walks Through Angola’s Land Mine Field for Charity
- Prince Harry walked through a land mine field in Angola for charity awareness.
- He wore a flak jacket while retracing Princess Diana’s footsteps.
- Diana helped mobilize support for a land mine ban treaty in 1997.
- The Halo Trust has cleared over 120,000 land mines in Angola.
- Thousands of people have been killed or injured by land mines since 2008.
Prince Harry Immerses in Charity Work in Angola
On Wednesday, Prince Harry took a significant step in honoring his late mother, Princess Diana, by traversing an active land mine field in Angola. Donned in a protective flak jacket, he walked along a designated path in efforts to elevate awareness about the dangers of land mines and the essential work that charities like the Halo Trust are conducting to remove these explosives. This initiative helps to clear areas that were once battle zones, enabling communities to safely reclaim their lands and move forward after decades of conflict.
A Legacy of Advocacy for Land Mine Clearing
This isn’t just a quick visit for Harry; it aligns with the legacy of his mother, who famously walked through a minefield back in January 1997. During that time, Diana’s efforts significantly contributed to the global push for a land mine ban treaty, which was successfully ratified later that year. Prince Harry, echoing her dedication, has been actively involved in similar campaigns, having previously visited Angola in 2019 with the same goal of raising awareness and support for those affected by explosive remnants of war.
The Ongoing Battle Against Land Mines in Angola
The Halo Trust, the charity at the forefront of this initiative, has a long history in Angola, where land mines from a devastating civil war, lasting from 1975 to 2002, continue to pose a threat to civilians. Since commencing operations in Angola in 1994, the trust has successfully located and destroyed thousands of land mines and other hazardous devices, with over 120,000 mines cleared. Yet, despite these efforts, approximately 1,000 minefields still require thorough clearance, making this a critical issue as hundreds of thousands of lives remain at risk due to remnants of the past conflict.
Prince Harry’s recent visit to Angola not only honors Princess Diana’s important legacy but also sheds light on the grave impact of land mines in former war zones. His engagement with the Halo Trust emphasizes the continued need for community safety and support for those affected by unexploded ordnance. As awareness grows around this serious issue, the urgency for action to clear remaining minefields becomes more apparent.
