In support of strengthening capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects

The illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons (SALW) is a serious threat to countries and communities across the OSCE region and beyond. The uncontrolled proliferation of SALW fuels organized crime, terrorism and other violence, and undermines the rule of law and economic development. In recent years, Ukraine has been facing significant challenges related to the presence of illicit weapons, ammunition and explosives (WAE).

The multi-year OSCE extra-budgetary project supports Ukraine in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in WAE addressing current and looming threats and risks. It provides a comprehensive set of measures to strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the National Police (NPU), the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) and the State Customs Service (SCS) of Ukraine, in particular through:

• Enhancement of the supervisory capacities of the MIA in control of manufacture, marking and record-keeping of WAE.
• Improvement of the operational capabilities of the MIA and the NPU in forensics, analysis and investigation of illicit trafficking in WAE.
• Assistance in the development of legislative mechanisms, as well as raising public awareness on risks related to illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of WAE.
• Advancing inter-agency co-ordination and co-operation resulting in the development of strategic approaches, data collection and analysis in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in WAE.
• Strengthening the SBGS and the SCS capabilities to detect and seize illicit WAE through train-and-equip programme, as well as canine assistance.