Originally published May, 2023
Global North Institute wishes to extend its condolences to the people of Serbia for the two tragic spree killings that your nation experienced in early May, 2023. After tragedies like these, there is a temptation to take immediate legislative action to prevent recurrences of violence of the future. Our organization specializes in comparative public policy and affirming a common model of human rights across Europe, the United States, and Canada. Civilian firearms ownership for self-defense, national security, hunting, and agriculture is a critically important underpinning to effective human rights and Serbia is a leader within Europe for its widespread lawful firearms ownership.
Serbia is one of several countries in Europe along with Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and others that has routinely affirmed the value of civilian firearms ownership. An armed citizenry is the ultimate affirmation of government trust in its citizens and a vital investment in national security, individual self-defense, and valuable activities like hunting, historical collecting, and small businesses. Serbia has a world-leading defense industry serving both a domestic and international market.
Moving to dramatically restrict civilian firearms ownership in Serbia would punish the very same law abiding citizens that stand ready to identify potential violent offenders and prevent mass killings. Worldwide, our research indicates that there is little connection between rates of firearms ownership and violence. Many countries with high rates of firearms ownership, such as Finland, witness few offenses committed with firearms despite the prevalence of firearms, whereas countries with draconian laws against civilian firearms ownership—like Brazil—often witness some of the worst violent crimes. Violence and guns are distinct from one another. Lawful firearms owners play a vital role in maintaining Serbia’s high trust national culture.
Unfortunately, internet and mass media have allowed new social contagions to spread between countries. Curtailing firearms ownership does nothing to halt this social contagion of spree killing. Even where firearms are restricted, spree killers inspired by social media and mass media now take action by different means with home made bombs, vehicle rammings, or mass stabbings. Based upon our research, our organization anticipates that the proposed measures in Serbia—banning new gun licenses, shutting down broadcasters, and allowing police to enter homes without a search warrant—will merely harm the human rights of Serbian citizens and not offer adequate safeguards against future tragedies.
As Serbian leaders navigate the painful aftermath of these twin tragedies, we hope that they will carefully consider the future of human rights in Serbia and affirm the rights of existing and future firearms owners in your country. To date, Serbia stands as a model for Europe and the world of an effective lawful firearms ownership regime.
Image Credit: Ivan Aleksic, Unsplash
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