On 4 November 2019, the Global Firearms Programme (GFP) participated in the 2 nd National Coordination Meeting on the implementation of the Roadmap for countering firearms trafficking in the Western Balkans, which was held in Podgorica, Montenegro.
The objective of the meeting was to review the progress achieved under the Roadmap, outline existing challenges and inform national counterparts, partners and donors about future activities to support the implementation of the Roadmap. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mladen Markovic, Head of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons in Montenegro.
The GFP presented the legislative gap analyses for Montenegro, which will assist the national authorities to harmonize the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code with the provisions of the UN Firearms Protocol. The report has received a positive feedback from the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice and its recommendations will be reviewed and discussed by the Working Group for amending the Criminal Code of Montenegro.
The GFP informed about the cooperation with the Public Prosecutor's Office and described the trainings that have been conducted to enhance the knowledge and skills for investigation and prosecution of firearms trafficking cases. The GFP informed also about the work with the Customs Administration in Montenegro and provided details about the forthcoming training on detection of firearms in postal shipments, which will take place in Podgorica, 12-14 November 2019.