Coronavirus / Extremists using COVID-19 lockdown to recruit youth online: UN chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that extremists are taking advantage of COVID-19 lockdowns to recruit youth who may be spending more time online. Risk of radicalisation in youth increases after the challenges they face aren't addressed by political establishments and institutions, he added. Guterres further said, "One of every four (young people) is affected by violence or conflict."

AIR : Apr 28, 2020, 09:23 PM
Washington: United Nation Chief Antonio Guterres has warned that extremist groups are taking advantage of the COVID-19 lockdowns and intensifying efforts on social media to recruit youths online by exploiting their anger and despair. He asserted that the world cannot afford to  lost generation due to the unprecedented global health crisis.

 The UN Secretary-General made the remarks yesterday during a video conference to review the five years since its adoption of a landmark resolution on youth, peace and security.

 Guterres told the Security Council that even before the current crisis, young people were facing enormous challenges. He  said countries must do more to harness the talents of young people to address the crisis and its aftermath.