Implementing period: November 2023 – December 2026
Budget: $1,600,990
This project, implemented by UNDP Kosovo, builds upon the previous work in support of the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap and has as its main goal to further advance institutional approach and community engagement in Kosovo towards addressing firearms- ammunition- and explosive (FAE)-related crime and misuse, and to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Kosovo1 and Albania in the field of SALW control.
Central to the project is the advancement of intelligence-led policing and deeper engagement with local communities through awareness-raising, trust-building, and support for legalization and voluntary surrender of SALW. In addition, the project will improve border control systems to prevent, detect, and counter the illegal flow of weapons. The project will further enhance the investigative and analytical capacities of Kosovo law enforcement, with a strong focus on the analytical capacities of the Firearms Focal Point, ballistic examinations of the Kosovo Forensic Agency, and cyber investigation capabilities of Kosovo Police to combat illicit arms trafficking via the darknet. Investments will be made in strengthening the secure handling, storage, and management of seized or surrendered FAE in accordance with international safety standards. Finally, the project will enhance police exchange and cooperation on SALW matters between Albania and Kosovo through joint police trainings and operational coordination.
The project contributes to Roadmap Goals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and key performance indicators 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW their ammunition and explosives in the Western Balkans by 2030.