Violence in Mexico: How to Stop the Bloodshed Mexicanist
go to original October 10, 2022

The "Knotted Gun” sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd is the symbol of the Non-Violence Project Foundation. (Fan Xiao/UN)

The highest rates of violence were recorded in the states of Guanajuato (1,864), Michoacán (1,587), Baja California (1,567), the Federal District (1,475), Jalisco (1,218), and Chihuahua (1,232).

Violence is not prevented by separations, exclusion, locks, doors, alarms, or weapons, but when the collective use of public and private spaces is strengthened. It is controlled when equal limits are established for all, and prevented when we learn to relate to others differently based on equality, says Nelia Tello Peón, an academic at UNAM's National School of Social Work (ENTS).

The coordinator of the Interdisciplinary University Seminar on School Violence and former director of the academic entity, explains that it must be understood that "we are equal, but different, and such diversity is complementary: we cannot be human without the others; we need each other, and in that complementarity, we must speak of us that builds a non-violent society, in a way of solidarity coexistence that is generated from acceptance."

On the occasion of the International Day of Nonviolence, which is commemorated on October 2, the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth, in honor of the leader of the Indian independence movement, the university professor adds that violence is a problem that affects us all and must also be recognized in what seems inconsequential.

According to the university expert, forms of coexistence must be found that offer the possibility of rapprochement, acceptance and recognition of the other, and the search for peace that avoids destruction.

The principle of nonviolence, according to the UN, "has universal relevance and seeks to achieve a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding. As Gandhi said, nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of humanity. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."

Read the rest at Mexicanist

Related: Leaked Documents Show Members of Mexico’s Military Sold Weapons and Information to Cartels (PVDN)

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!