WASHINGTON, D.C. - The over 230 members of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) are proud to welcome The HALO Trust USA as a new member.

The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation. The HALO Trust saves lives and restores communities threatened by landmines and other weapons of war, such as cluster bombs, stockpiles of small arms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Born out of a desire to help the people of Afghanistan in 1988, The HALO Trust operates programmes in 30 countries and territories and now employs a staff of around 12,000 people, the vast majority local people trained to make their own communities safe. The HALO Trust is headquartered in the UK and has offices in the USA and Europe.

HALO’s Ukrainian staff have conducted mine clearance in the eastern regions of Kramatorsk and Mariupol since 2016. At the start of the Russian offensive in February 2022 the HALO employees embedded in those communities were uniquely positioned to respond rapidly to the crisis.

Since Russia's invasion, The HALO Trust has built a new demining operation around Kyiv to respond to the urgent humanitarian need caused by mines, cluster bombs and other unexploded dangers. The HALO Trust is expanding operations into Kharkhiv and planning for operations in newly-liberated areas such as Kherson. With fleet, logistics and manpower already in place, HALO has been able to move rapidly in response to changes in the conflict thanks to the flexibility and extent of donor support. HALO also benefits from six years of strong links to the Ukrainian authorities and complements their work for comprehensive clearance.

"We are honored to join the USUBC and eager to work with its members to advance Ukraine’s recovery. Given the importance of this recovery for feeding the world as well as meeting the needs of Ukraine’s brave and resilient citizens, USUBC mission and membership are needed more than ever." said the Executive Director for HALO USA, Chris Whatley.

"We are thrilled to welcome The HALO Trust USA as a new member of USUBC. Their work in clearing landmines and other debris of war is crucial for promoting safety and security in conflict-affected areas and aligns with our mission of fostering economic development and business opportunities in Ukraine. We look forward to collaborating with The HALO Trust USA and leveraging our collective resources to make a positive impact in the region." said Morgan Williams, USUBC, CEO & President. 

For more information about THE HALO TRUST USA, visit their website at https://www.halousa.org/