In South Serbia, within the ethnically mixed Serb and Albanian communities that border Kosovo, DFID is supporting the establishment of Municipal Safety Councils (MSC). In an area that has remained tense since the end of the Kosovo conflict the MSCs provide an opportunity for community representatives to discuss issues of mutual concern and make joint representations to government, police and military officials. A particular highlight of the MSCs’ work has been their success in persuading Gendarmerie commanders to instruct their officers to patrol villages in a less threatening manner, including concealing their weapons. The MSCs have also developed plans to tackle drug crime and educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.