Implementing period: January 2021 - November 2023

Budget: US$1,429,520

The project implemented by UNDP Serbia represents the second phase of the project implemented through UNDP’s Funding Windows regional project, aiming at improving the quality of investigations through valid forensic evidence. This will result in better quality investigations and evidence-based decision making, which will contribute to criminal justice response to firearms-ammunition-explosives (FAE)-related offences and crime.

Specifically, the project will focus on further strengthening the capacities of the crime investigation units and the ballistic laboratories throughout Serbia on their way to accreditation. In addition to firearms examinations, this phase of the project will also include investigations of arson and explosion accidents, strengthening the capacities of the new Unit for arson, explosion and accident investigation, and improving overall capacities for explosion/explosive investigation. Finally, the project will include the development of the new Weapon Registry System through the provision of equipment and training.

The project contributes to Roadmap Goals 1, 2, 3, 5 and key performance indicators 3, 4, 5, 9, 14 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.

Implementing period: November 2023 – November 2025

Budget: $1,512,540

The aim of the project implemented by UNDP Serbia is to further improve the forensic capacities of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia in the entire investigative cycle in order to support criminal investigations and proceedings in the area of firearm-ammunition-explosive (FAE)-related crimes as well as the Small Arms and Light Weapon (SALW)-control system. The project builds upon and consolidates results of the previous interventions that started with the first phase of the project in 2019 and continued with the second phase from 2021 to 2023.

Building upon previous results, the project will concentrate on improving capacities of the National Forensic Center, focusing on the crime scene investigation, ballistic examinations; explosion examinations; as well as capacities of the chemical laboratory for examinations of traces of explosives and of gunshot residues. The project will further improve validity and visibility of achieved forensic capacities in line with recognized standards. In addition, the project will further advance SALW-control capacities and handling of firearms of the police administrative affairs directorate.

The project contributes to Roadmap Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and key performance indicators 3, 8, 9, 13 and 14 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.

Implementing period: September 2022 - May 2023

Budget: US$ 170,700

The project, implemented by UNDP Serbia, is built upon the findings from the initial phase of the Reduce Risk-Increase Safety project. It aims to accelerate the implementation of the normative and strategic framework and boost existing practices and partnerships related to protection from SALW misuse in the context of violence against women and domestic violence. In addition, it addresses the problem of suicides committed with firearms. Through its activities, the project aims to create a comprehensive approach to strengthening the role of the healthcare system in the prevention of firearms misuse.

The project contributes to Roadmap Goals 2 and 4 and key performance indicators 2, 9, 10, and 14 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.

Implementing period: October 2023 – October 2025

Budget: $776,135

The project aims to reduce the risk of firearms misuse for violence and suicide in Serbia, building upon previous results. It will further foster collaboration and knowledge exchange of relevant stakeholders and enhance community response to firearms-related crises and trauma.

More specifically, the project aims to i) Review gender and age data collection practices, use lessons learned to facilitate evidence-based policy making and mainstream firearms risks into domestic violence regulations; ii) Enable networking and capacity building of women to actively participate in SALW control policies; iii) Improve conditions for improved detection of potential firearms misuse for domestic violence and suicides and ensure comprehensive prevention support; iv) Make available information on the harmful effects of underlying practices and attitudes leading to firearms misuse and supportive mechanisms preventing suicides. V) Enable best practice sharing with professionals, media and academia on effective mechanisms for prevention of future firearms related incidents.

The project contributes to Roadmap Goals 2, 4 and key performance indicators 2, 10 and 14 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.