UNODC supports harmonization of criminal legislation with UN Firearms Protocol

The UNODC Global Firearms Programme (GFP) held a regional meeting on harmonization of the criminal legislation with the UN Firearms Protocol in the Western Balkans attended by representatives of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Ministry of Interior and Prosecutor’s Office from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

UNODC GFP presented and discussed a comparative legislative analysis of the domestic criminal legislations with the MoJ representatives and criminal justice practitioners, which was followed by further discussions on the current status of harmonization of the criminal legislation with the UN Firearms Protocol, based on UNODC GFP recommendations. As a result, the exchange of experiences was facilitated and the needs for the provision of further technical assistance by UNODC GFP were identified.

The role of the UN Firearms Protocol and UNTOC is vital for the process of harmonization of the criminal legislation as well as in bringing countries together to counter firearms trafficking and organized crime. The attending jurisdictions expressed commitment in this regard and discussed the need for establishing a dedicated platform in the Western Balkans where criminal justice practitioners could gather to collectively address issues related to criminal legislation and practice.  

This activity is implemented with the financial support provided by Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and Norway through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Trust Fund and supported by the European Union.