Increased regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and information-sharing, leading to enhanced capacity for evidence-based policymaking strengthened the capacity of institutions to design and implement evidence-based SALW control policies in line with international best practice. Six Regional Meetings of SALW Commissions organized throughout the region, provided the much-needed forum for SEE institutions to discuss challenges, learn from each other and further strengthen their capacities for formulation and implementation of arms control policies. These meetings intensified collaboration and joint work of the SALW Commissions turning this process into a unique and sound model of regional cooperation, confidence building and knowledge sharing. Technical advice provided to the SALW commissions and relevant institutions on development and implementation of SALW control policies enabled the establishment of the SALW Commissions in Albania and Republic of Moldova, as well as adoption of a SALW Control Strategy in Serbia.
For more information on these meetings, see:
7th SALW Commissions meeting: 15–16 May 2017, Jahorina
8th SALW Commissions meeting: 20-21 November 2017, Skopje
9th SALW Commissions meeting:28-29 May 2018, Tirana
10th SALW Commissions meeting 26-27 November 2018, Budva
11th meeting: 29-30 May 2019, Sarajevo
12th SALW Commissions meeting: 22 November 2019, Tirana
High-Level Political Commitment and the Western Balkans SALW Roadmap
A High-Level Meeting of SEE’s Deputy Ministers of Interior and Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs organized by SEESAC in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office, the Regional Cooperation Council and the EU on 1 February 2018, resulted in the adoption of a Joint Statement for a strengthened commitment towards SALW control, and the agreement on the elements of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans by 2024 (also Roadmap). The Roadmap, developed by SALW commissions in the Western Balkans with SEESAC’s support, and in close cooperation with Germany, France and the EU, was adopted during the Interiors and Security Ministers’ Meeting of the Western Balkans Summit organized in London, on 10 July 2018. The adoption of the Roadmap at the Western Balkans Summit ensured the high-level commitment of the Governments for the successful implementation of the Roadmap.
Expanding Regional Processes and Gender-Responsive Approaches
Relevant authorities in Belarus and Ukraine became full part of the key regional processes facilitated by SEESAC including those of the SALW Commissions and the South-East Europe Firearms Experts Network (SEEFEN). Representatives of government institutions in Belarus and Ukraine were exposed to good practices and expertise coming from SEE in various areas of arms control and had opportunity to exchange information about key related challenges. Two assessment missions conducted by SEESAC in Belarus and Ukraine identified SALW control-related needs in each country and potential areas of collaboration. The Gender Aspects of SALW and How to Address Them in Practice publication was developed by SEESAC and distributed in both English and Russian languages, in order to ensure an effective outreach and increased awareness on these aspects from both Ukraine and Belarus.
Evidence-Based Policymaking and Transparency
A regional SALW survey developed in cooperation with the authorities in SEE, has provided the most comprehensive picture of distribution and impact of firearms in South East Europe to date. It has also enhanced the capacities of the region for evidence-based policymaking through the concrete findings and recommendations for action developed for each jurisdiction. Lastly, an online Armed Violence Monitoring Platform (AVMP) launched at the end of 2017 on SEESAC’s website, provides currently detailed data on firearms incidents happening daily in South-East Europe. Armed Violence monthly Monitors highlighting trends of armed violence throughout the region were developed and published on SEESAC’s online information exchange platform. The AVMP due to its analytical utility has become a valuable tool for research work and policy making as well as a model for replication in other regions.
Transparency of arms exports in the region, was maintained through the publication of five regional Arms Export Reports for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 covering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia[1], and Serbia. These reports closely follow the example set by the European Union, which publishes the only other regional report on arms exports.
Integrating Gender Perspectives into SALW Control
A Gender Coach Programme was successfully completed with SALW Commissions in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro increasing so awareness among policy makers and enhance their capacities to integrate the gender perspective into SALW control measures and policies. Trainings on gender and SALW control were organized in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro and at a regional level with representatives from the SALW Commissions from Kosovo[2], the Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia. The Gender Coach Programme developed by SEESAC for SEE, served as a model for implementation of a similar programme by UNODA.
[1] The name Republic of North Macedonia is used in this report in line with the instructions of the UN Protocol of 14 February 2018 which replaces the name the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia with the new official name of the Republic of North Macedonia.
[2] For the United Nations Development Programme, references to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). For the European Union, this designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.