Maria Suokko, UNDP Resident Representative

Handover ceremony of 5 K9 dogs

Tuesday, 09 March 2021, 10:30 – 11:00 AM

Kosovo Police Headquarters, Pristina, Kosovo

Dear General Director of Kosovo Police, Mr. MEHMETI;

Dear Senior Officials of the Kosovo Police;

Dear participants and media representatives;

Last year, we have found ourselves in an unprecedented situation. What began as a health crisis, in a distant part of the world, has quickly developed into a pandemic which spans continents. For a year now, it is affecting the economy, how we interact, how we work – basically how we lead our lives. The inter-connectedness of our complex world has become apparent. We are acutely aware of how the pandemic has affected the population from a socio-economic point of view.

However, there is less discussion on how the pandemic is shaping the safety and security sector. We are witnessing that the pandemic has not stopped criminal activities, they have only changed their ‘modus operandi’ – as much of it has moved to the cyber space, taking advantage of our cyber vulnerabilities. At the same time, this pandemic has had a negative impact all around the world through increased domestic violence and gender-based violence.

This week, we are celebrating the International Women's Day and want to emphasize the critical role that women pay in responding to the COVID crisis – and in moving towards a more equal future in a COVID world. We have seen how the pandemic has disproportionally affected women and girls – it is evident in higher number of incidents of gender-based violence, increased burden of unpaid care work, reduced opportunities for paid jobs and livelihoods. These are complex challenges that require well planned and targeted responses.   

In the exceptional circumstances caused by the pandemic, the challenge is to continue providing services to all people – in the most efficient way possible. In the complex global environment - filled with many uncertainties - safety and security institutions must be one step ahead.

And this is what the Kosovo Police is doing - by expanding its capacities in fighting illicit arms trafficking and advancing the control of small arms and light weapons, ammunition and explosives.  This is why I am very happy to be here with you today.

UNDP’s engagement in addressing Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) control and combating illicit arms trafficking in Kosovo is part of our commitment to promote human safety and security. We are proud to be supporting Kosovo to fulfill its international and regional commitment towards implementation of the Western Balkans Roadmap. And while much remains to be done, we should also remind ourselves of the great achievements.

Because of highly dedicated police management and officials and the support from international partners, Kosovo Police today is recognized as an example in the functionality of the Firearms Focal Point as well as the only jurisdiction in the Western Balkans that possesses special K9 dogs that are trained and certified in detection of weapons made of polymer material. Kosovo has now become a “best practice” which is shared also with other law enforcement agencies in all jurisdictions in the Western Balkans and beyond.

Today, we are donating five K9 dogs for Kosovo Police K9 unit. The dogs will be specifically trained in sniffing and detecting various narcotics and explosives that could be otherwise smuggled through the border crossing points or the green border lines.

UNDP in Kosovo will continue to support the Kosovo Police and other Kosovo institutions in reducing the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).

I want to thank the General Director of Kosovo Police and his entire team for the extraordinary cooperation and support – and look forward to continued collaboration in further strengthening and advancing the services in the field of safety and security for all communities in Kosovo.

Lastly, I would like to thank the brave women and men of Kosovo Police for their exemplary service during these exceptional pandemic circumstances.