Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
SEESAC. 2019 ‘Firearms Surrendered in Serbia (2012-2016).’ SEESAC Serbia - 2012/2016 SALW Survey, pp. 29-30. Belgrade: South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC). 18 December
Relevant contents
Several rounds of firearm legalization campaigns were carried out in Serbia over the past two decades to try to reduce the number of illicit firearms in civilian possession.
Following the introduction of Law 23/2015, a three-month firearm legalization campaign was organized from March to June 2015, during which time civilians could hand in illicit firearms without having to prove their origin and without facing criminal and misdemeanor charges.
Article 46 of Law 23/2015 authorizes the government to organize firearm legalization campaigns as needed and Article 51 provides the conditions under which firearm legalization and voluntary surrender can take place.
A total of 8,955 firearms were legalized between 2015 and 2016, with 7,545 legalized in 2015 and 1,410 legalized in 2016. No data was available regarding whether domestic or international tracing was undertaken for these firearms.
A total of 42,568 firearms were voluntarily surrendered over the five-year period, with 5,379 surrendered in 2012, a peak of 12,128 handed over in 2015 and 8,396 surrendered in 2016.
Domestic tracing with matches and hits was carried out for all firearms. No information was available regarding international tracing carried out on firearms that were voluntarily surrendered.
Figure 10: Number of voluntarily surrendered SALW
2016: 5,379
2015: 7,990
2014: 8,657
2013: 12,128
2012: 8,396
Total: 42,568
[SALW = Small Arms and Light Weapons]