Mexico embarks on a mission for peace as its government encourages its citizens to disarm for the sake of public safety and security.
At a Glance
- The “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace” campaign incentivizes civilians to surrender firearms in exchange for rewards.
- The campaign partners with the Church to symbolize unity, offering legal protection to participants.
- U.S.-Mexico border firearm trafficking issues prompt Mexican government lawsuits against American arms dealers.
- Organized crime poses significant obstacles to the campaign’s ultimate success.
Government Initiatives and Church Involvement
Mexico has launched the “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace” campaign to combat gun violence and organized crime. Set outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, participants can surrender firearms in exchange for compensation. The initiative promises no legal repercussions for those who voluntarily disarm. President Claudia Sheinbaum underscores the importance of drop-off points in church lobbies, promoting a culture of peace and safety.
The initiative receives strong support from the Archdiocese of Mexico City. Cardinal Norberto Rivera expressed his commitment to partnership. He noted, “For this reason, we want to join together today with the governor in this project of voluntary disarmament, and we will continue to work with him.”
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
Impact of Organized Crime and Cross-Border Trafficking
Despite the concerted efforts, Mexico’s campaign faces challenges from rampant organized crime and cross-border firearms smuggling. In 2023, over 31,000 homicides were recorded in Mexico, with 70% linked to gun activity. Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador points to the link between homicides and conflicts among criminal groups. Annually, about 200,000 firearms enter Mexico illegally, with 70% of them originating from the U.S.
Mexico has filed lawsuits against U.S. arms dealers, seeking to curb the smuggling of firearms. Erubiel Tirado, a security expert, expressed skepticism, saying, “They [government officials and the army] are saying ‘we are making peace’ but there is not enough money to reach peace in this country.” Despite the program’s best intentions, the involvement and influence of organized crime continue to disrupt its objectives.
Long-term Strategies Beyond Disarmament
Beyond voluntary disarmament, Mexico’s broader strategy includes addressing systemic issues linked to crime and violence. Collaborations with churches symbolize unity and emphasize the cultural aspect of peace initiatives. To combat the flow of illegal arms, a January 2020 plan between Mexico and the U.S. aims at curbing illegal arms, drugs, and money. The government also prioritizes increasing awareness among children through toy gun exchanges.
Adriana Contreras Vera, a director within Mexico City’s government, remains optimistic, stating the program is purely a preventive measure to reduce firearms in circulation. She believes even small disarmament initiatives can “prevent problems or a fatal accident.”
