Serbia destroys over 15,000 pieces of SALW

On 23 December, Ministry of Interior of Republic of Serbia with support of UNDP SEESAC destroyed more than 15,000 pieces of confiscated or surplus small arms and light weapons. The event which took place in Železnik Smelting Facility, in Belgrade,  was attended by Željko Veselinović, Assistant Minister of Interior of Republic of Serbia, representatives of UNDP SEESAC and representatives from French and German Embassies in Belgrade. Veselinović highlighted that this event is part of a continuous cooperation between Ministry of Interior and SEESAC and thanked EU and UNDP SEESAC for their support in MoI’s efforts to create a safer environment.

Destruction of SALW was organized under the framework of EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2356 implemented by UNDP SEESAC, and contributes to the achievement of the goals of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of (SALW)/firearms and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2024 and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Promote peaceful, just and inclusive societies and its target 16.4 that includes a significant reduction in illicit arms flows by 2030.