Strengthening ballistic and forensic expertise is critical to safeguarding national security, enhancing the effectiveness of criminal investigations and supporting the successful prosecution of arms trafficking and terrorism-related offences.
In this context, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) within their joint project on “Addressing the Terrorism–Arms–Crime Nexus: Preventing and Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Their Illicit Supply to Terrorists”, generously funded by the Government of Canada, delivered advanced forensic and information technology equipment to the Ministries of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On 26 November 2025, UNODC’s Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan officially handed over high-precision Digital Forensic Comparison Microscopes to the Forensic and Ballistic Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The newly delivered modular digital forensic comparison microscopes equipped with liquid crystal panels will further strengthen the Ministry’s ability to conduct high-precision ballistic analyses, support the systematic comparison of bullets and cartridge cases, and enhance the tracing of firearms u`sed in criminal and terrorism-related offences. The equipment also supports the operational use and future expansion of national ballistic information systems, contributing to evidence-based investigations and successful prosecutions.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with UNODC and UNOCT to further strengthen national forensic and technical capacities. Priority areas identified include the progressive enhancement of ballistic laboratories, expansion of data storage capabilities for automated ballistic identification systems, and the development of specialized forensic expertise in response to emerging threats.
Through sustained technical assistance, institutional cooperation and capacity-building support, UNODC and UNOCT continue to assist Tajikistan in strengthening its criminal justice response to illicit firearms trafficking, organized crime and terrorism, in line with international standards and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The equipment deliveries form part of broader efforts to strengthen the technical and operational capacities of national law enforcement and criminal justice institutions across Central Asia. The joint UNODC–UNOCT project supports beneficiary member states in tracing illicit firearms, investigating organized crime and terrorism cases, and enhancing regional and international cooperation.
The project directly contributes to the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2370 (2017) and the Madrid Guiding Principles, as well as the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant international instruments on organized crime and arms control. By reinforcing forensic and ballistic capabilities, the initiative supports evidence-based investigations, strengthens criminal justice responses and helps prevent the diversion of illicit firearms to terrorists.
Through a combination of legislative assistance, capacity-building activities, specialized training and the provision of advanced equipment, UNODC and UNOCT continue to support Central Asian States in addressing the complex and evolving links between terrorism, organized crime and illicit arms trafficking-contributing to regional stability, international security and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
