On 3 December 2024, criminal justice practitioners from Tirana, Skopje, and Pristina gathered in Tirana as part of the Project Justitia, implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through its Firearms Trafficking Section. This event focused on strengthening judicial responses to illicit firearms trafficking and its links to organized crime by fostering regional cooperation and harmonizing judicial practices.
The workshop provided a platform for dialogue among practitioners, facilitating the exchange of experiences and best practices. Participants examined legislative and procedural approaches to firearms offenses and associated crimes, identifying areas where their legal frameworks could better align with international standards, including the United Nations Firearms Protocol. Through discussions, the participants analyzed how differing legal interpretations across jurisdictions affect judicial cooperation, prosecution, and sentencing in firearms, drugs, and organized crime cases.
A key component of the event was a detailed review of firearms case law. Participants explored the challenges of evidence admissibility, particularly in cases involving firearms, drugs, and organized crime. The use of special investigative measures, including wiretapping, surveillance, and controlled deliveries, was examined to identify legal considerations and limitations. Discussions also addressed the role of digital tools in managing evidence and how sentencing practices could be harmonized to enhance judicial consistency. In addition to these discussions, participants engaged in practical exercises to examine specific case scenarios. These exercises provided an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in resolving complex legal issues, fostering a deeper understanding of how different jurisdictions handle such cases within their legal frameworks. The collaborative environment enabled participants to share experiences, analyze challenges, and propose solutions aimed at improving judicial practices.
Project Justitia is implemented in the Western Balkans 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.