A public awareness campaign launched today in North Macedonia is calling on young people to stay away from weapons and choose peace over violence. Implemented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs together with the National SALW Commission and supported by the extra-budgetary project "Assisting the National Authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia to Decrease the Risk of Weapon Proliferation and Misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)" of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, the campaign focuses on the risks of small arms and light weapons misuse and promotes non-violent conflict resolution, empathy and responsibility among youth.
The campaign delivers a clear message: Life has no restart. Weapons are not a game. Stay away. Through school visits, video outreach and public engagement, it aims to help young people recognize the dangers and irreversible consequences of weapons misuse, while encouraging choices rooted in self-control, respect and maturity.
Launching the campaign in Skopje, Head of Mission Ambassador Kilian Wahl stated: "This campaign puts young people at the centre of a simple but vital message: weapons are not a game, and violence can change lives forever. Choosing dialogue, respect and responsibility is what makes individuals and communities safer and stronger."
The Head of Mission's remark was echoed by the Minister of Education, Ms. Vesna Janevska, who emphasized that "Children should be educated from a young age that there is nothing attractive about carrying weapons."
The campaign will continue throughout March and April with school visits across the country, alongside online outreach aimed at building a stronger culture of non-violence among younger generations.
