Montenegro remains on the path of systematic verification and physical destruction of surplus and confiscated firearms, ammunition and explosives. We continue to invest in education and increasing operational efficiency in order to manage stocks, all in accordance with international standards and good practice, said Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović.
He opened the Regional Coordination Meeting - Roadmap for a Sustainable Solution to Suppression of Illegal Possession, Abuse and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and Related Ammunition in the Western Balkans.
Saranović pointed out the importance of raising citizens' awareness of the importance of returning and legalizing weapons as one of the main factors in this fight.
"Encouraging citizens to voluntarily surrender their weapons promotes a culture of safety and awareness of the risks that weapons can pose in the wrong hands. In this way, we make a direct contribution to the creation of a society in which weapons are used only in accordance with the law and for legitimate purposes," Saranović emphasized, as announced the MUP.
When it comes to combating and preventing the abuse of firearms in the context of domestic violence and violence against women, Šaranović expressed satisfaction with the integration of the gender perspective in all aspects of firearms control. In this sense, he particularly emphasized the importance of drafting Guidelines for police officers for adequate assessment and response to the risks of misuse of firearms in domestic violence, as well as Guidelines for integrating a gender perspective in the process of approving Requests for the purchase of weapons.
He also said that the Ministry of Interior is dedicated to fully harmonizing the national legislative framework with European Union standards, and that it is continuously improving institutional and personnel capacities, with the support of experts from the United Nations Development Program.
"During the conference, Šaranović thanked the international partners who recognized Montenegro as a credible and responsible partner in the implementation of joint projects and undertakings of importance in this area," the announcement concludes.
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