Mexico’s “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace” program is tackling the nation’s gun violence epidemic through voluntary disarmament, with citizen participation incentivized and legal immunity assured.
At a Glance
- Churches serve as disarmament points in Mexico City’s program.
- Participants surrender weapons for compensation without legal risk.
- The initiative tackles gun violence, accounting for 70% of 2023’s homicides.
- Mexico is confronting U.S. gun makers over illegal arms imports.
The Role of the Church
The disarmament program is rooted in faith and community, with churches like the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City becoming symbols of peace and cooperation. The Archdiocese of Mexico City played a pivotal role, reinforcing the social commitment of the Church in tackling organized crime. Cardinal Norberto Rivera emphasized the Church’s engagement, noting it “cannot remain aloof from this social phenomenon.”
Incentives such as educational tools are offered to participants turning in weapons. Financial compensation is also assured, with no investigation into the weapon’s background, fostering a smooth disarmament process.
About the Program
Initiated in 2018, the “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace” program is a collaboration between the Mexican government and military, aiming to decrease the circulation of firearms. The initiative recovered over 3,620 light weapons, 838 heavy arms, and a vast array of ammunition cartridges by 2019. Mexico has implemented toy gun exchanges to foster awareness among the youth about firearms’ dangers. Security expert Erubiel Tirado, however, questions the program’s reach, expressing skepticism due to the threat posed by organized crime.
Mexico’s government estimates around 200,000 firearms enter the country annually, with a key source being the United States. A legal battle is underway against U.S. arms manufacturers, with the Supreme Court set to review the case, aiming to mitigate the illegal flow of firearms and address the underlying causes of violence.
It’s a pleasure to be here in Mexico City to discuss the #NPT and nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. pic.twitter.com/cq33HUwaQw
— U.S. Representative to the NPT (@USNPT) February 6, 2024
A Broader Strategy for Peace
The disarmament plan is part of a wider strategy to combat crime. Former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador identified a connection between organized crime and high homicide rates, with three-quarters of killings linked to criminal conflicts. By integrating a disarmament strategy, the government aims to foster a culture of peace, notably in regions impacted by crime.
“It’s about setting up places like the lobbies of churches where people can go to turn in their weapons voluntarily, and give them economic incentives to give up their firearms,” Claudia Sheinbaum said on the matter during a press conference.
The impressive participation and results seen in Mexico City are encouraging President Sheinbaum to promote the program, assuring citizens there will be no prosecution for those who participate. With an average of 31,062 homicides annually, of which 70% are gun-related, the initiative strives to reduce these alarming figures.
