TIRANA, Feb 18 /ATA/ The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offices in Tirana and Pristina, in collaboration with the respective Ministries of Interior/Internal Affairs and the National SALW Commissions, jointly launched their respective projects on ‘Integrated Institutional Approach and Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation to SALW Control’.
Both projects address challenges related to small arms and light weapons control in line with the Western Balkans Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)/firearms and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2024.
The Roadmap envisions the Western Balkans as a safer region, and exporter of security, where comprehensive and sustainable mechanisms, fully harmonized with the European Union and other international standards, are in place to identify, prevent, prosecute, and control the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
The initiatives introduced today are firmly grounded in the specific objectives of the Roadmap and in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which seeks to promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies by combatting organized crime and illicit financial flows
Through an integrated institutional approach, these initiatives strive to prevent and reduce firearms-related threats at domestic, regional, and international levels.
The projects underscore the commitment of both jurisdictions to work together towards shared goals, thereby fostering bilateral relations and promoting regional safety and security.
