Sarajevo,  06 August 2024: United Nations Development Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP in BiH) will support eight selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) within the framework of Project LEAD which inter alia aims to enhance the capacity and engagement of national institutions and civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina by strengthening NGO-Government nexus. This marks a pivotal step in enhancing the capacity of these organizations to address small arms and light weapons (SALW) control in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This initiative aims to foster the inclusion of CSOs and build partnerships with government institutions to jointly address the issue of illegal SALW possession, responsible ownership, and the negative effects of SALW on vulnerable groups such as youth, women, and children. 

Following the Public Call for project proposals announced in March 2024, eight CSOs were selected for grant support, with a total funding of nearly USD 200,000 allocated for this purpose. Notably, some selected projects specifically target youth in elementary and high schools, aiming to protect this vulnerable demographic from the dangers of SALW. The collaborative efforts fostered by this initiative are expected to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the regionally endorsed Roadmap, ultimately leading to a more secure and informed community.

Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in BiH, Victor Munteanu, stated:

“The non-governmental sector, specifically CSOs, has always been a vital component in UNDP-implemented projects. We actively strive to include and engage CSOs on every possible occasion, particularly in collaboration with government actors, to maximize the benefits of NGO-Government synergy. I am confident that the outcomes of these grant-awarded projects will be positive, making the issues and dangers related to illegal SALW possession and trafficking even more visible.”

Project LEAD, formally known as the Law Enforcement Agencies’ Development in Small Arms and Light Weapons Control, is a comprehensive 24-month programme generously funded by Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, and Norway through the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF), with overall support from the European Union. The project is implemented in partnership with key national stakeholders, including the BiH SALW Coordination Board, Indirect Taxation Authority, BiH Border Police, State Investigation and Protection Agency, BiH Prosecutor Office and prosecutor offices at the entity and cantonal levels, relevant police bodies at the entity and cantonal levels, police academies, associations of women police officials, and national NGOs.