Meksika Eyalet Üniversitesi: Disarmament Insufficient Without Addressing the Causes of Violence

Meksika Eyalet Özerk Üniversitesi (UAEMéx) stated that the destruction of firearms is an important step in reducing risks to public safety, but that this measure alone cannot be sufficient. University officials emphasized that the practice of destroying weapons must be supported by comprehensive public policies targeting the root causes of violence. In this context, it was stated that it is essential to simultaneously conduct social development programs, preventive measures, and scientific research. Officials warned that mere weapon collection or destruction campaigns will have a limited impact without a solid social strategy behind them. Therefore, a multidimensional and sustainable approach must be adopted to create a long-term security environment.

Speaking on the occasion of Uluslararası Ateşli Silahların İmha Edilmesi Günü, Felipe Álvarez Mendoza, a faculty member at the UAEM Tianguistenco Üniversite Merkezi, stated that campaigns aimed at reducing the circulation of weapons have yielded positive results. However, Álvarez Mendoza specifically emphasized that such campaigns should be considered merely as a part of a broader and more holistic strategy for preventing violence. The academic stated that a decrease in the number of firearms cannot fully stop violent incidents without solving the deep structural problems in society. It was noted that although the destruction of weapons is a visible measure, it will be difficult for crime rates to drop to desired levels as long as factors such as poverty and inequality continue to exist. Therefore, it was argued that a successful security policy must also include various social and economic regulations.

Álvarez Mendoza stated that many factors, such as poverty, unemployment, social inequality, discrimination, and lack of opportunity, are decisive in the emergence of violence. Since it will be impossible to break the cycle of violence without solving these structural problems, it is vital for state institutions to act in cooperation with educational institutions and civil society. The academic noted that a coordinated struggle will allow for addressing the root causes of crime and reintegrating individuals driven to crime back into society. Furthermore, it was emphasized that increasing employment and educational opportunities for youth and disadvantaged groups will directly reduce tendencies to commit crime. It was expressed that, thanks to this joint effort, permanent and radical solutions can be produced for the prevention of crime and the establishment of social peace.

Another important point highlighted was that security policies must be based on solid scientific research and objective diagnoses rather than common sense. Álvarez Mendoza explained that the tendencies to commit crime and the causes of violent incidents must be analyzed in detail so that the effectiveness of the implemented strategies can be measured accurately. It was stated that thanks to the conducted research, more functional and results-oriented new action plans can be prepared by abandoning failed policies. It was emphasized that long-term, data- and research-driven policies should be preferred over instant solutions in the fight against crime. This approach will allow for the most efficient use of limited public resources and a genuine reduction in crime rates.

In the later parts of his speech, the academic, who stated that universities assume a critical role in the context of fighting crime and preventing violence, said that these institutions offer valuable analyses to society. The importance of training experts against modern threats, particularly illegal arms trade, cybercrimes committed through new technologies, and even weapons produced with 3D printers, was emphasized. Universities offer both scientific prescriptions and train expert personnel against such current and complex problems that threaten the safety of society. Furthermore, it was stated that to build safer communities, education must be strengthened, a culture of legality must be adopted, and social dialogue must be supported. It was concluded that higher education institutions are strategic institutions that guide the enhancement of social welfare by training professionals who have adopted a culture of peace and establishing solution-oriented collaborations.