In a significant stride towards countering illicit firearms, North Macedonia's Ministry of Interior, the Public Prosecutor of the Republic of North Macedonia, and the Customs Administration have united under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on November 17, 2023. This agreement forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the criminal justice response to arms trafficking, following pivotal amendments to the Macedonian Criminal Code introduced on September 7, 2023.
These reforms, directly supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through its Project Justitia, reflect Macedonia's dedicated alignment with the UN Firearms Protocol (UN FP). The revised Criminal Code, particularly Articles 395, 396, and 396-a, now criminalizes the illicit manufacturing, trafficking, and falsification of firearms, aligning national law with international standards.
The MoU signifies a collaborative approach towards enforcement, involving various national stakeholders. It emphasizes the importance of synergy between law enforcement, customs, and judicial authorities in effectively addressing the challenges posed by illegal arms.
In support of these legislative changes, a comprehensive implementation plan has been developed. This plan, underpinned by the principles of awareness, adherence, international cooperation, and societal participation, aims to foster a seamless transition and effective enforcement of the new legal provisions. Key components of the plan include extensive training and capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement, judiciary, customs officials, and other relevant stakeholders.
This initiative underscores North Macedonia's commitment to upholding the rule of law and public safety. By aligning with international norms and enhancing inter-agency collaboration, the country aims to significantly reduce incidents related to unauthorized firearms activities, reinforcing its position as a responsible member of the international community in the fight against arms trafficking.
This activity is implemented with financial support provided by Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and Norway through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Trust Fund and supported by the European Union.
