Albania

Crisis Prevention and Recovery

Global RSS Press Releases for this area Ongoing Projects for this area

The mutual dependency of security and development seems obvious –the satisfaction of basic needs is a prerequisite for human security (freedom from fear), while the provision of basic human security at the same time is a precondition for truly sustainable human development (freedom from want). Human development cannot happen when people are threatened by violence or crime. The United Nations is involved in responding to human threats and factors that exacerbate human poverty and vulnerability.

The UNDP Albanian Mine Action Programme contributes to an Albania free from mines by the end of 2010. Support goes towards adopting International Mine Action Standards for Albania, development of national capacities for coordinating and monitoring mine action activities, mine clearance, mine risk education and victim assistance through partnerships and resource mobilization. To date 13.5 million square metres of land has been released through surveys and clearance and handed over to communities. More than 11,000 anti-personnel mines and 4,100 UXOs have been found and destroyed.

Currently the UNDP EU Small Arms Control (EUSAC) project is working with the Government, civil society and other partners in the field of SALW control to implement new laws controlling the export, import and trading of weapons through the provision of technical expertise and capacity building.

The UNDP Support to Security Sector Reform (SSSR) introduced community-based policing in order to improve public trust in state institutions and establish cooperation with communities to address human security issues. The programme promotes partnerships between communities, police and local authorities that work together for safe neighbourhoods. SSSR has contributed to an improved image of the state police; invested in renovated police stations; helped form effective Community Problem Solving Groups; and increased student awareness of security and safety.