SEESAC Supports Authorities in North Macedonia in Improving Their Explosives and Pyrotechnics Storage Locations

Upon the request of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Commission of North Macedonia, SEESAC organised an expert visit with the aim to assess the risk of nine explosives and pyrotechnics storages of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in North Macedonia from 29 August to 2 September.

The assessment aims to secure the safety and security of the citizens in the vicinity of the storages by providing the Macedonian authorities with a risk assessment report that will include recommendations for the necessary improvements needed for decreasing the risk of unexpected explosions.

Furthermore, the Explosives Limit Licenses (ELL) for each of the nine storage locations will be developed following the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines 02.30 standards as the best practices and international standards in ammunition management to mitigate the risks of accidental explosions and diversion of ammunition.

The expert visit and risk assessment are being organised within the framework of the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/1788 in support of the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans. SEESAC supports jurisdictions of the Western Balkans in tackling the threat posed by the widespread accumulation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition as well as in improving the stockpile management capacities.