Implementing period: October 2024 – December 2026
Budget: $1,730,387
Project Hermes is aimed at increasing the capacities of the Western Balkans jurisdictions to counter trafficking of firearms, their parts, ammunition and explosives through Express Courier and postal parcels. The project builds upon a pilot initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2020 to 2022 and the project’s first phase implemented by UNODC in 2023.
Under Hermes Phase 2.1, UNODC will support all jurisdictions in the Western Balkans region to strengthen their response to firearms trafficking via postal parcels through the provision of advanced courses for X-ray operators, workshops targeting analytical units of customs administrations and designated postal operators (DPOs), and through the delivery of specialized equipment to customs administrations and DPOs. In addition, the project will strengthen the capacities of Express Courier companies as well as the public-private cooperation thus ensuring a more comprehensive and integrated approach to detecting and preventing firearms trafficking.
The project contributes to Roadmap Goals 3 and 4 and key performance indicators 3, 4 and 8 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.