UNDP Macedonia's poster advertising their campaign "Happy and Safe 2007".

Bullets fired into the air can return to the ground faster than 200km per hour, with enough force to penetrate a human skull. While 'celebratory' gunfire is recognised as a significant public health problem, the practice is widespread and culturally accepted in South East Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and some Latin American countries.

IANSA members and other organisations have been working on this issue with particular focus on reducing aerial fire on New Year's Eve. This year, UNDP Macedonia is running a joint campaign with government and civil society organisations in Skopje. The aims of the campaign are to reduce violence, celebratory fire, alcohol intoxication and firecracker incidents over the New Year period.