Mexico reports over 13,000 firearms surrendered in voluntary disarmament program

Mexico's Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez, announced that over 13,157 firearms have been surrendered anonymously through the ‘Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace’ program in exchange for cash. The initiative, part of the National Public Security Strategy, has also seen the exchange of 14,553 toy weapons for educational toys.

As part of the broader effort to address the root causes of violence, the government reported significant social and community outreach. This includes the delivery of 3.5 million essential items via the Tianguis del Bienestar, the performance of 8.6 million administrative services for 5.1 million people, and the implementation of 933 Peace Fairs.

Youth-focused programs also saw expansion, with over 416,000 participants in the ‘Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro’ labor training program and more than 31,000 students enrolled in ‘Boxeando por la Paz’ classes. Additionally, the strategy aims to incorporate 400,000 students through the construction and expansion of high school facilities and the establishment of 60 ‘México Imparable’ centers focused on sports, culture, and mental health.