The Minister of Internal Affairs, Panche Toskoski, today addressed the official launch of the campaign to raise public awareness about the risks of misuse of small arms and light weapons, aimed primarily at the younger population, at SUGS "Vlado Tasevski" in Skopje.
The campaign is part of the project "Support for the National Authorities of Macedonia in Reducing the Risk of Proliferation and Misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons," which is being implemented with the support of the OSCE Mission in Skopje and international partners.
In his address, Minister Toskoski emphasized that the youth are the greatest wealth of society and that it is through such activities that awareness of responsible behavior and safety is built.
"This campaign is a message to the youth that life is not a game and that every action has consequences. That is why we send a clear message – 'Life has no restart. Weapons are not a game!'. Just one moment of inattention is enough to cause consequences that last a lifetime, not only for the individual but also for their family and community," highlighted Minister Toskoski.
He stressed that prevention is key and that addressing the misuse of weapons and violence among youth is a shared responsibility of all – institutions, schools, parents, and local communities.
The campaign will be carried out in several cities across the country, through school visits and interactive activities, aimed at direct communication with the youth and raising their awareness of the risks.
During the event, presentations on legal provisions were held, case studies and educational materials were shared, and students had the opportunity to participate in an interactive digital quiz. Finally, a demonstration exercise by the K9 Unit was also conducted.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs remains firmly committed to the prevention and protection of youth, through continuous collaboration with all relevant stakeholders in society, with the aim of building a safer and more secure future.
