Increased capacities for more efficient control of Small Arms and Light Weapons

Through the creation of a new Police Information System, the upgrade of the Electronic Weapons Register and specialized trainings for the police officers in the last three years, the capacities of the Ministry of Interior have been increased to enable easier monitoring of legally and illegally possessed weapons in the country. These activities have been implemented as part of the project “Improving National SALW-related Practices and Building Violence Resilient Communities” that is implemented by the UNDP, with financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The upgrade of the Weapons Registrer enables the monitoring of the legal firearms from the moment of their entry into the country at the border crossings, all the way to the end user, the buyer. On the other hand, the new Police Information System is a modern tool for electronic evidence, monitoring and analysis of the incidents linked with the use of the weapons.

“The control of the weapons is a strong precondition for building resilient communities, and it is expected that both systems shall facilitate the prevention and will significantly decrease the offer, the demand and the misuse of firearms. As a result of the committed work of the teams of the MoI and the UNDP, today we can speak about two information systems that are put into operation, whereas the trainings on the job are implemented gradually concerning the Police Information System and data entry in the Weapons Registration System”, explained Mr. Oliver Spasovski, the Minister of Interior.

Aiming at more efficient new digital tools as part of the project, technical equipment was upgraded during which 127 computers, 68 printers, 60 scanners, and 25 special printers for weapons licenses have been procured and delivered to the Ministry of Interior. Additionally, over 350 police officers have been trained for using both systems.

“The existence of quick and structured information for the weapons is of key importance. The activities in the framework of the project have improved the capacities and the efficiency of the combating crime which directly contributes to the safety of the citizens. In the broader context, I am especially proud that through this regional and national initiative, we will contribute to promoting the rule of law, respect for human rights and increased participation of developing countries within the institutions of global governance. These very principles lie at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations”, highlighted Mr. Armen Grigoryan, UNDP Resident Representative.

The project for strengthening the institutional capacities for combating illicit trafficking of weapons is simultaneously implemented in the entire region as part of the “Roadmap for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons”, whose primary goal is to establish a system for control of small and light weapons in the countries of the Western Balkans in accordance with the European and international standards.

“Small and light weapons are a serious threat for the security in the region. North Macedonia is appropriately and successfully committed to permanent improvement of the practices linked with small and light weapons. Germany appreciates to a large extent these efforts and remains committed to contribute to the process”, highlighted Mr. Otto Graf, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The results of the project have been noted within the Progress Report of the European Commission for 2021, where it is indicated that the software for weapons registration contributes to easier identification and monitoring of firearms.