Over 760 Small Arms and Light Weapons Destroyed near Ferizaj/Uroševac

A ceremony was held today in the village of Prelez near Ferizaj/Uroševac, for the destruction of more than 760 confiscated small arms and light weapons. 

General Director of the Police, Gazmend Hoxha, said the destruction aims to enhance public safety and reduce the availability of weapons that are frequently linked to criminal acts. He urged residents to refrain from possessing or using illegal firearms.

Hoxha noted that, since 2005, about 16,000 firearms have been destroyed. “This is a continuous effort carried out by municipal authorities and law enforcement agencies, with ongoing support from UNDP and international partners, to strengthen safety in our communities,” he said.

UNDP Resident Representative, Nuno Queiros, pointed out that illicit small arms and light weapons create insecurity, harm civilians, undermine public institutions, and are often implicated in gender-based and domestic violence. “Our aim is to significantly reduce the flow of illegal arms. Recent incidents underline the risks these weapons pose. Municipal authorities, law enforcement, and other relevant institutions have shown strong commitment to tackling illegal trafficking, possession and misuse of firearms. UNDP remains committed to supporting these efforts,” Queiros said.

The metal recovered from the melted weapons will be recycled into manhole covers for local infrastructure projects.

The initiative for the disposal of 763 pieces of SALW is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Out of the total number of SALW disposed of, 382 SALW were funded through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Multi-Partner Trust Fund – MPTF’s KSSP project, while 381 SALW were disposed of as part of the SEESAC project implementing the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/3006, as part of broader disarmament and arms control efforts in South-East Europe.