Stating that the impact and consequences of Covid-19 pandemic on global peace and security was yet to be ascertained, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism gave a call for not allowing the terrorist groups to exploit the COVID-19 crisis.
“Collective action and international cooperation are needed now more than ever,” United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism Under Secretary General Vladimir Voronkov said.
Despite the countries focusing on tackling the health emergency and human crisis caused by COVID-19, they must not forget or be complacent about the continuing threat of terrorism. He warned. .
“The pandemic has the potential to act as a catalyst in the spread of terrorism and violent extremism by exacerbating inequalities, undermining social cohesion and fuelling local conflicts. In many parts of the world, terrorists are exploiting local grievances and poor governance to regroup and assert their control,” he said in a statement.
He also mentioned that the member states had a shared understanding and concern that terrorists were generating funds from illicit trafficking in drugs, goods, natural resources and antiquities, as well as kidnapping for ransom, extorting and committing other heinous crimes.
Moreover, Vladimir Voronkov also pointed out to the rise in cybercrime in recent months. He noted that many of these digital attacks were against hospital and healthcare systems, hindering their vital work in responding to the pandemic.
He said that terrorist groups were exploiting the significant disruption and economic hardships caused by COVID-19 to “spread fear, hate and division and radicalize and recruit new followers”.
