Addressing security and safety risks of illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Western Balkans are recognized as one of the priority regions in terms of arms control, non-proliferation and the fight against arms trafficking/smuggling, with evidence suggesting that some SALW and/or ammunition used by terrorists and other criminal groups in Europe originates from this region.

The rate of incidents in which SALW were (mis)used remained constant throughout the analysed period 2012-2016; misuse was prevalently related to crime. Although the use of legally owned SALW in crime is noteworthy, the overwhelming majority of criminal offences involving firearms (i.e. 95.7 per cent) involved the use of illegally owned SALW. Accordingly, the significant number of firearms/SALW and their ammunition in illegal possession of citizens, as well as their unlawful use, widespread availability, and ease of access to them (including as a consequence of trafficking), continue to pose a pronounced risk to the safety of the general population, specific target groups, as well as law enforcement in BiH and the wider region.
Furthermore, the percentage of women in BiH law enforcement agencies is low1 (8.2 per cent). Traditional norms and views on women and their suitability for certain roles of employment still influence the agencies. This hampers women’s ability and interest to join certain areas as well as assume leadership positions in BiH law enforcement agencies in a meaningful manner. A gender-diverse police force which is aware of the different security needs of men and women, especially regarding SALW, can support achieving a safer society for all.

In response to an official assistance request from the BiH Ministry of Security (MoS) and the SALW CCB, the OSCE conducted thorough consultations and research/assessment of the identified problems and identified the following foremost gaps:

• inadequate capacity for safe and secure storage of SALW in the possession of LEAs, including in terms of available space;
• insufficient institutional awareness on SALW control, and lack of a methodology and M&E tools for institution-led public awareness and outreach on SALW control;
• insufficient law enforcement K9 capacity for detection of SALW, ammunition and explosives;
• absence of a SALW and ammunition inter-institutional case database and tracking system;
• inadequate legislative and regulatory framework on SALW deactivation, as well as a lack of capacity for SALW deactivation.

The Project reinforces existing host country capacities and supports the meeting of its short- to medium-term priority needs in combating SALW, ammunition and explosives proliferation and misuse. All Project activities will improve the capacities of the beneficiary LEAs to implement the BiH SALW Control Strategy in view of their respective roles and competencies. Also, the Project will facilitate and advocate the harmonisation of the firearms legislation in BiH jurisdictions by supporting meetings providing the expertise based on the EU firearms Directive. The Project will provide technical assistance to the development of key strategic, tactical and operational responses to illegal possession, misuse, and trafficking of SALW, ammunition and explosives. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring local ownership, increased knowledge and buy-in, and raising awareness of best practices and their practical application and benefit in BiH.
 

Beneficiary LEAs will be supported in ensuring that they operate/manage SALW storage sites in line with international standards and host country interests. Support to the development of SOPs as well as of the methodology and M&E tools for institution-led public awareness and outreach will be conducted in a manner that ensures sustainability beyond the Project’s duration. The legal framework governing the K9 work as well as the infrastructure used by the police K9 units (i.e. training, facilities, equipment and other resources) are already in place, so the Project will focus on supporting priority upgrades. The Project will also advocate with the beneficiary LEAs to optimize rather than overhaul the CMS architecture and procedures in a manner that ensures their full ownership and ability to populate and manage the system beyond the Project’s duration. The Project will support the harmonization of legislation and development of SOPs on SALW deactivation including through engagement of the prominent European Proof House that would provide advisory and training needed for advancing deactivation regulation and process following the OSCE best practices. In addition, it will provide for the establishment of sustainable SALW deactivation facilities and required personnel and organizational structures. Finally, the Project intends to support and promote institutional dialogue regarding the importance of prevention, control, investigation and suppression of proliferation and unlawful possession of SALW and its ammunition. In addition, the Project will assess the meaningful involvement of women professionals in the control and management of SALW and the possibilities for improvement of gender equality in law enforcement agencies.
 

The noted Project support will be provided through targeted and tailor-made workshops; working group meetings; conferences and training courses; development of regulatory materials, knowledge products and training curricula; procurement of technology and equipment; and upgrading of the security and safety infrastructure. The Project will moreover aim to integrate its trainings into existing training curricula and programmes with the beneficiary LEAs training institutions.
 

The BiH SALW CCB and LEAs are the primary Project beneficiaries, whereas prosecutors’ offices, courts and penitentiary services are secondary Project beneficiaries. The Mission will conclude a Project Implementation Protocol (PIP) with BiH MoS, based on an existing MoU. The PIP will specify the implementation responsibilities and liabilities of the parties, treat issues related to customs duties and taxes exemption, establish communication modalities, and outline public relations aspects. Donation agreements that are to be signed between the beneficiary LEAs/MoIs and the Mission will regulate the obligations in terms of the use of the equipment in a manner that ensures sustainability beyond the Project’s duration.