First steps taken toward small arms and light weapons legislation harmonization

The first Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Legislation Harmonization Workshop took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The first SALW Legislation Harmonization Workshop that was held on 16-17 April 2019 in Sarajevo gathered representatives of relevant institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to discuss the level of harmonization of legal framework on arms control in BiH with the EU legislative framework.

Authorities from the region are supported by SEESAC to further address the legislative and regulatory framework on SALW/firearms control under the auspices of the European Union Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/1788 SEESAC, ensuring  harmonization with the EU Acquis, which is also one of the goals set in the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.

In the workshop, representatives from all relevant institutions in BiH presented the current level of harmonization of legislation in their respective jurisdictions, future steps and problems identified in this field.

Harmonization of legal framework is an important step that will enable the compatibility of arms control laws and procedures throughout in BiH, as well as on a regional level. Harmonization will lead to the standardization of SALW/firearms control procedures and practices, allowing for a better and more efficient response to the firearms related threats to be generated at both a national and regional level.

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