On 6 October 2021, UNODC through its Global Firearms Programme (GFP) has continued providing support to the Working Group (WG) on amending the Criminal Code in North Macedonia by organizing an online meeting with members of the WG. In 2021, UNODC GFP has presented a comparative analysis of criminalization of crimes linked to illicit trade in the Criminal Code, including Unauthorized Production and Release for Trade of Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors – Article 215 of Criminal Code; Human Trafficking - Article 418-a of Criminal Code; Organizing a Group and Abetment in Performing Crimes of Human Trafficking, Trafficking with Minors and Smuggling of Migrants - Article 418-c of the Criminal Code; Child Trafficking - Article 418- d of Criminal Code; Manufacture and Acquisition of Firearms and Means Intended for Committing a Crime - Article 395 of Criminal Code and Unlawful Production, Possession, Mediation and Trade with Firearms or Explosive Materials from Article 396 of Criminal Code. The comparative analysis has once again identified the discrepancy in the implementation of international obligations by North Macedonia concerning harmonization of the criminal law with the criminalization provisions of the UN Firearms Protocol.
UNODC GFP has also elaborated the procedural aspects of the analyzed crimes. The focus was on the possibility of implementation of special investigative measures for every type of incriminated acts as part of the crime of Unlawful Possession, Production, Mediation and Trade with Firearms or Explosive Materials as regulated in the Criminal Code of North Macedonia. The comparative analysis and the meeting with the members of the WG have resulted in identifying solutions for further harmonization of the firearms provisions in the Criminal Code.
This activity is implemented with the financial support provided by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Trust Fund and supported by the European Union.