In an effort to curb violence and reduce gun-related deaths, the government of Claudia Sheinbaum has introduced the National Voluntary Disarmament Program, named “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace.” The initiative encourages citizens to voluntarily surrender their firearms in exchange for financial compensation.
The launch event, held at the Basilica of Guadalupe, was attended by Sheinbaum, along with officials from various key national institutions, including the National Defense, Navy, and National Guard. In her address, Sheinbaum emphasized the program’s goal of reducing violence, stating, “Weapons are a symbol of violence and death. We do not want any family to have a gun in their home.”
The campaign will begin in Mexico City and expand to states severely affected by violence, such as Guanajuato, Baja California, the State of Mexico, Tabasco, and Guerrero. Gun collection points will be set up in churches of various faiths, where firearms will be surrendered and subsequently destroyed.
This national-scale initiative follows a similar program implemented in Mexico City during Sheinbaum’s tenure as mayor. The expanded program aims not only to reduce homicides and femicides but also to prevent injuries and accidental deaths caused by firearms, especially among minors.
With this program, Mexico seeks to address the root causes of violence, focusing on early prevention and long-term peacebuilding. By removing firearms from households, the government hopes to create safer environments and reduce the impact of gun violence on families and communities.
References:
- Mexican Government Press Releases
- National Voluntary Disarmament Program Initiative
