The United Nations Development Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina) will support eight selected civil society organizations as part of the LEAD project, which, among other things, aims to improve the capacity and engagement of institutions and civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina through strengthening the ties between non-governmental and governmental sector.
This represents a key step in improving the capacity of these organizations to emphasize the importance of small arms and light weapons (SALW) control in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP BiH announced.
This initiative aims to encourage the inclusion of civil society organizations and build partnerships with government institutions to jointly address the issues of illegal possession of small arms and light weapons, responsible ownership as well as the negative effects of weapons on vulnerable groups such as youth, women and children.
Following a Public Call for Project Proposals published in March 2024, eight civil society organizations have been selected to receive grant funding, with a total fund of nearly US$200,000 allocated for this purpose. It is particularly important to note that some of the selected projects are aimed at the younger population in primary and secondary schools with the intention of protecting this demographic group from the dangers lurking in small arms and light weapons. It is expected that the joint efforts fostered by this initiative will improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the regional Roadmap, ultimately leading to a safer and more informed community.
– The non-governmental sector, especially civil society organizations, have always been a key component in projects implemented by UNDP. We actively seek to include and engage civil society organizations at every possible opportunity, especially in cooperation with government institutions in order to achieve the best results through the synergy of the non-governmental and governmental sectors. I am convinced that the results of these projects, which are supported by grants, will be positive and will make the problems and dangers associated with the illegal possession and trade of small arms and light weapons even more visible – said Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in BiH Victor Munteanu.
Project LEAD, i.e. the project with the full name “Improving the capacity of law enforcement agencies in the field of small arms and light weapons”, is a comprehensive 24-month program generously funded by the governments of Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Great Britain and Norway within the framework of the UN -‘s Multipartner Fund for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Western Balkans, with the overall support of the European Union.
The project is implemented in partnership with key partners in the country, including the Coordinating Committee for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in BiH, the Directorate for Indirect Taxation, the Border Police of BiH, the State Agency for Investigation and Protection of BiH, the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH and prosecution offices at the entity and cantonal levels. , relevant police bodies at the entity and cantonal levels, police academies, associations of female police officers and non-governmental organizations.
Source: federalna.ba
