When is the right time to begin collection of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Kosovo? This study examines attitudes towards SALW in Kosovo and identifies lessons learned for conducting a weapons amnesty and collection. Such a collection would not currently yield significant positive results in Kosovo at as a number of preconditions are not yet in place. SALW collection should only take place as part of a broader strategy, based on a detailed understanding of the factors that drive demand for weapons.
The report focuses on the illicit, civilian possession of weapons in Kosovo, and on voluntary weapons collection initiatives targeted at such possession. Survey data indicates that perceptions of insecurity are still the main cause of illicit civilian weapons ownership in Kosovo. The relationship between weapons ownership and insecurity is complex and different communities have different, specific motivations for keeping their weapons.
People in Kosovo are generally sceptical of the chances of a future weapons collection initiative being successful. The majority of Kosovo Albanians believe that only improvements in the security situation will convince people to surrender their weapons, while Kosovo Serbs cannot foresee their communities ever being willing to give up their weapons. The two groups also hold very different views on which institutions should undertake a weapons collection.
The following points should be considered if and when undertaking a weapons collection in Kosovo:
Before the weapons collection period it is important to:
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment aimed at mapping attitudes and perceptions of SALW owners.
- Ensure widespread political support for the campaign.
- Allow sufficient time and resources to conduct awareness-raising about the collection process.
- Ensure sufficient capacity within institutions to conduct a weapons collection campaign before commencing.
- Mobilise the public to actively participate.
Factors to consider when designing the weapons collection:
- Involve the right actors: The Kosovo Security Council should lead the collection campaign; civil society should be involved extensively and early; international actors should not take the design lead; and donor support should be limited to financial support, agreed ahead of time.
- Ensure a locally appropriate approach.
- Remember that security needs must be met to ensure effective use of incentives.
- Avoid major holidays and periods when physical access to rural/mountainous areas is limited (winter).
- Allow time for the wider public to gain sufficient confidence in the process.
- Ensure the collection initiative is nation-wide and seen to target all regions and communities equally.
- Ensure transparency and accountability of the process and guarantee the anonymity of those surrendering their weapons.
After the weapons collection:
- The government should clearly mark the end of the amnesty period, announcing and enforcing a new weapons law.
- The weapons collected should be publicly destroyed
- It is important to measure the initiative’s success by the reduction of the harmful impact of illicit weapons, not by the number of items collected.
