SEESAC Joins Forces with International Partners to Support Ukraine's Fight Against Illicit Firearms Trafficking

Photo credits: MoI Ukraine

Photo credits: SEESAC

Photo credits: MoI Ukraine

On 2 and 3 October 2024, SEESAC contributed to a workshop organized by the OSCE and the European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine (EUAM) in Kyiv to support Ukraine’s National Coordination Centre on combating the illicit trafficking of firearms, their components, and ammunition. The workshop brought together representatives from various Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, who are either part of the Co-ordination Centre or support its efforts, including the Ministry of Interior, the National Police, Ukraine’s Security Service and the Prosecutor General’s Office but also international organizations and agencies such as EMPACT Firearms and UNODC.

The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the functional areas of arms control, the specific role of the Firearms Focal Point in investigations of firearms related crimes, and initiated the planning process for key tasks of the newly established Centre.

SEESAC representatives provided a comprehensive overview of the approach to SALW control and its alignment with international legal and regulatory frameworks, with a specific focus on conflict areas. Contribution from SEESAC included also sharing the good practices and lessons learnt on national level coordination, monitoring and planning of SALW control efforts; the development and implementation of the Western Balkans Roadmap, as well as the importance of evidence-based policies. During the second day, in a session dedication to the role of the Firearms Focal Points, SEESAC representative informed on the mandate, role, impact of existing FFPs in the Western Balkans, which was followed by the showcase of the Spanish FFP by the representative of Guardia Civil.  

By working in close cooperation with the authorities and in coordination and synergy with other international partners engaged, SEESAC aims to continue its support to the Ukrainian institutions to combat illicit arms trafficking and misuse. SEESAC’s contribution to the workshop was supported thought the implementation of EU Council Decision 2022/2321.

For more details on the workshop, please refer to the official news releases:

Ministry of Interior of Ukraine: The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, together with the OSCE, conducted training for Ukrainian law enforcement officers to counter illicit arms trafficking (mvs.gov.ua)

OSCE: OSCE supports Ukraine’s efforts to counter illicit trafficking in firearms | OSCE