Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cooperation between UNDP and the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska

Within cooperation between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, the process of destruction of small arms and light weapons was launched today in Banja Luka. The entire process of destruction of small arms, implemented in cooperation with police representatives, will be carried out in the coming period at Jelšingrad site. Today, 449 pieces of small arms and light weapons were destroyed. These weapons were collected by the RS Ministry of Interior MUP RS in operations to seize illegal weapons, and through forfeitures in completed judicial proceedings.

Destruction of weapons kept also with the cantonal Ministries of Interior will take place in the coming period.

After the war, Bosnia and Herzegovina was faced with large stocks of small arms and light weapons which pose a significant threat to citizens given its frequent use in crimes. The security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is therefore unstable, which hampers its accession into the European Union. Destruction of weapons organized within the SACBiH project is of great importance as it reduces the presence of illegal weapons, and thus allows for a greater public safety. In order to improve general security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations Development Programme in future will continue to support institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina dealing with this issue.

The operation of destruction of small arms and light weapons is financed by the Department for International Development of UK Government.

SACBiH project operates in partnership with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to reduce threats to human security posed by a large and uncontrolled presence of small arms and light weapons and ammunition.

Additional information available at: www.undp.ba
Asja Cengic, Public Relations
e-mail: acengic@undp.ba
+387 (0) 33 56 38 38
+387 (0) 33 55 23 30