3,939 pieces of collected and seized weapons destroyed in Ilijaš Steel Mill

(Patria) - 3,939 pieces of weapons and weapon parts (626 long-barrelled, 1,332 short-barrelled, 1,981 weapon parts) collected by police agencies through their regular police activities and voluntary surrender by citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina were destroyed today in the Ilijaš Steel Mill.

The destruction of weapons stored in the warehouses of police agencies in BiH is organised by the Coordination Board for Small Arms and Light Weapons Control in Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC), with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in BiH and financial support from the European Union.

This confirms long-standing cooperation and commitment to improving public safety and a sustainable solution to the problem of seized weapons.

Chairman of the Coordination Board for Small Arms and Light Weapons Control in BiH, Ermin Pešto, attended today's weapons destruction.

„This action demonstrates the commitment of all police agencies to continue collecting and destroying illegal weapons, thereby creating a safer environment for our citizens. Part of the weapons were seized by police agencies, and part were voluntarily surrendered by citizens. Unfortunately, in the past period we have witnessed tragic incidents in which illegal weapons were most often used. With today's destruction of the collected weapons, we have permanently eliminated the danger of them falling into the wrong hands and being used for a criminal offence.“

UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, Renaud Meyer, emphasised:

„Today's destruction of nearly 4,000 pieces of collected and seized small arms and light weapons and weapon parts is another significant step towards improving public safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The long-standing cooperation of UNDP with domestic and international partners demonstrates our shared commitment to reducing the risks that surplus weapons and their illegal possession pose to citizens. These activities not only contribute to a safer everyday life, but are also an important element of regional stability and cooperation.“

This action aims to jointly draw attention to the dangers that surplus weapons, as well as poorly secured weapons and weapons in illegal possession, pose to the daily safety of all citizens. In Southeast Europe, the problem of circulation and proliferation of small arms and light weapons knows no borders and as such requires a joint response at the regional level.

Through the implementation of these activities, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues its commitment to implementing the goals set out in the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to combating the illicit possession, misuse and trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans and the Strategy for Small Arms and Light Weapons Control in Bosnia and Herzegovina.