Professional equipment handed over to Kosovo Police for combatting illicit arms trafficking and improving control of small arms and light weapons

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo handed over today professional equipment to the Kosovo Police which will advance their work and effectivity in combating and investigating illicit arms trafficking and advancing Small Arms Light Weapons (SALW) control. The equipment donated is part of UNDP’s long-term cooperation with Kosovo authorities in SALW control contributing to human safety and security. Together with its partners, UNDP is supporting Kosovo to fulfill its commitment towards implementation of the Regional Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2024.

At the event, Xhelal Sveçla, Minister of Internal Affairs, Maria Suokko, UNDP Resident Representative, and Samedin Mehmeti, General Director of Kosovo Police were joined by German Ambassador H.E. Jörn Rohde, French Ambassador H.E. Marie-Christine Butel, representatives from the Embassies of Norway, the Netherlands, UK, and EU Office in Kosovo and other officials.

The equipment includes thermal cameras, hand-held scanners, endoscopes and drones which will enhance the efficiency of police work in identifying, detecting and confiscating illicit arms trafficking, ammunition and explosives as well as narcotics of various kinds.

The donation was made through UNDP’s Kosovo Safety and Security Programme (KSSP), generously funded by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway and supported by the European Union.

"The equipment that the Kosovo Police is receiving today will undoubtedly help and facilitate the work of police officers in targeting illegal trafficking in small arms and light weapons, but despite this support provided to date in the implementation of the Roadmap, we need to be vigilant about new trends in crime, not only in the Western Balkans, but globally." said Xhelal Sveçla, Minister of Internal Affairs at the event. 

Maria Suokko, UNDP Resident Representative emphasized: “In the complex global environment - filled with many uncertainties - safety and security have evolved into complex, multi-tiered work. Security institutions must constantly be one step ahead in addressing the ever-evolving challenges. In order to keep up to date with the trends and developments in the field of firearms trafficking today, new professional equipment is needed. Thanks to the generous funding from our partners here today, we are able to support the Kosovo Police with professional equipment which will enhance the efficiency in identifying, detecting and confiscating illicit arms and narcotics.”

On this occasion, Samedin Mehmeti, General Director of Kosovo Police thanked UNDP and the donors for their generous contribution: “"Safety is one of the key elements for any society in the world. Being able to live and function freely and without fear of crime is in the interest of every individual, regardless of age, gender, race, or religion. Therefore, any threat to security seriously undermines the fundamental principles of human rights and freedoms. Despite technological advances and human development, firearms and explosives, including their precursors, continue to pose a major threat to the security of the population." 

This event concluded the implementation Support to Combating Illicit Arms Trafficking (CIAT) and Support to Combating Illicit Arms Trafficking (CPIAT) projects which were part of the Kosovo Safety and Security Programme (KSSP).

CIAT project contributed to improving border control capacities to effectively and efficiently screen cargo, vehicles, parcels, personnel and other goods of special interest, such as weapons, ammunition, explosives while CPIAT project contributed to increasing the capacities in the field of investigations and police operations in combatting illicit arms trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.