In Sinaloa, violence has become a monster; a child's message from Mexico's Congress cries for peace

In Mexico's Chamber of Deputies, a young voice from Sinaloa has spoken out against the pervasive violence plaguing her state. Estefanía Juárez Briseño, a fifth-grader, described the escalating conflict as a "monster" that instills daily fear and uncertainty, particularly impacting children's right to education and safety.

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As children, we want to live without violence, play and study with tranquility. However, in Sinaloa, violence has become a monster that haunts us every day, where criminal groups and constant armed confrontations have kept us mired in fear and uncertainty.

Speaking at the 2026 Children's Parliament, Estefanía detailed the harsh reality in Culiacán, her hometown. She recounted how crossfire has repeatedly prevented children from attending school and, tragically, has claimed the lives of defenseless minors. These violent acts shatter families, leaving behind a trail of pain and desolation, she stated.

To combat this climate of fear, Estefanía proposed concrete solutions. She called for the installation of police stations near schools and parks, enhanced security and surveillance programs in educational centers, and the creation of community spaces like parks and recreational facilities. Crucially, she emphasized the need for psychological support for children who have lost loved ones or experienced trauma, stressing that "pain should not be lived in solitude."

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In my municipality, the fear of crossfire has on several occasions robbed us of the opportunity to attend school, violating our right to education. Even more serious, violence has claimed the lives of dozens of defenseless girls and boys, who, like us, had dreams they could no longer fulfill, leaving hundreds of families mired in pain and desolation.

Her plea extended to fostering a culture of peace through educational campaigns and workshops. "Children do not want to grow up with fear; we want to grow up with hope, we want to study, play, live with our families, and achieve our dreams," she declared. Estefanía expressed conviction that collective effort can build a better Sinaloa and Mexico, where peace triumphs over war and violence.

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Children do not want to grow up with fear; we want to grow up with hope, we want to study, play, live with our families, and achieve our dreams. I am convinced that if we all do our part, we can build a better Sinaloa and Mexico, where peace is stronger than war and violence.