Raising the awareness of Portuguese children about the problem of illegal weapons: this was the goal of the feast, called "Disarming hearts", organised in Lisbon on October 28th by the National Justice and Peace Commission, a lay association promoted by the Portuguese Bishops Conference. "Handing down to the new generations the ideal of non-violence, not least through a feast, with music, dancing, plays, is a key task", comments the National Justice and Peace Commission that on November 8th 2005 implemented a public measure "For a safe, arm-free society", against the possession of illegal weapons in Portugal. Then under a protocol agreed with the government, a nation-wide awareness-raising campaign was carried out, aimed at the voluntary handover of illegal weapons, which is still possible until December 24th. On November 8th, the National Justice and Peace Commission will hold a press conference, with information and materials about illegal weapons in Portugal.
