SALW Control Roadmap 2030
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Project Hermes 2.1: Countering Trafficking in Firearms in Firearms, Their Parts and Ammunition in Express Courier and Postal Parcels (UNODC)

Duration

October 2024 - October 2025

Beneficiary/ies

Western Balkan jurisdictions

Donor/s

Multi-Partner Trust Fund

Funding Amount

USD 1,280,387

Funding gaps (if any)

N/A

Objective/s

  • 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 WB to strengthen their response to firearms trafficking through the provision of advanced courses for X-ray operators, workshops targeting analytical units of customs administrations and DPOs, and through the delivery of specialized equipment to customs administrations and DPOs.

Contributing to the Roadmap goal/s

Goal 3 - By 2024, significantly reduce illicit flows of firearms, ammunition and explosives (FAE) into, within and beyond the Western Balkans. 
Goal 5 - By 2024, substantially decrease the estimated number of firearms in illicit possession in the Western Balkans.

Contributing to the Roadmap overall targets

Goal 3:

  • Prevent trafficking (smuggling, illicit trade and transit) of FAE through improved processes, equipment and training of targeted law enforcement units.

Goal 5:

  • Substantially increase number of seized firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Key activities implemented up to date

  • Procurement of the X-ray scanners was initiated.

Main challenges encountered

N/A