Destruction of SALW in the Republic of Moldova

 2119 arms, 50,000 cartridges and 142 parts and components were destroyed on 25 November 2021 in Smelting facility JST “ARES UT” in Chisinau. 

This event was organized by the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova and supported by UNDP Moldova and UNDP SEESAC through funding provided by the EU. The synergy of all partners involved in this activity is another confirmation of their long-standing cooperation and commitment in delivering a sustainable solution to the problem of safekeeping of confiscated and surplus firearms.  

Disposal of SALW is another important step of Moldovan authorities in increasing public safety and security and diminishing the risk of SALW proliferation. This important event was closely followed by Mr. Bejan Alexandru, Deputy Head of the GPI and Ms. Andrea Cuzyova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

The disposal of SALW, their components and significant amount of cartridges was accomplished within the currently implemented EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2111 in support of SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in South East Europe. This action is a continuation of the long-term assistance that has resulted in more than 4000 pieces of SALW and significant amount of parts and components destroyed by the MDA authorities since 2019.

This activity aimed at the prevention of the illicit trade and of a destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons supports the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 16 to promote peaceful, just and inclusive societies and its target 16.4 that includes a significant reduction in illicit arms flows by 2030.