Coronavirus update: Can’t afford a lost generation of youth due to Covid-19 crisis, says UN chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the danger of radicalisation can improve in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic as extremist teams search to take advantage of the anger and despair of the younger, asserting the world can not afford a misplaced era as a result of world disaster.

In a video convention Monday, Guterres instructed the Security Council that even earlier than the present disaster, younger individuals have been going through monumental challenges.

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Listing “startling” numbers, he mentioned certainly one of each 5 younger individuals was already not in training, coaching or employment and certainly one of each 4 is affected by violence or battle. Every yr, 12 million women grow to be moms whereas they themselves are nonetheless kids. “These frustrations and, frankly, failures to address them by those in power today, fuel declining confidence in political establishments and institutions. And when such a cycle takes hold, it is all too easy for extremist groups to exploit the anger and despair, and the risk of radicalization climbs,” he mentioned.

The UN chief famous that “we can already see such groups taking advantage of the Covid-19 lockdowns, intensifying their efforts on social media to spread hatred and to recruit young people who may be spending more time at home and on line.” He made the remarks throughout a gathering to assessment the 5 years since its adoption of a landmark decision on youth, peace and safety.

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Issuing a name to motion on youth, peace and safety, Guterres mentioned the “world cannot afford a lost generation of youth, their lives set back by Covid-19 and their voices stifled by a lack of participation. Let us do far more to tap their talents as we tackle the pandemic and chart a recovery that leads to a more peaceful, sustainable and equitable future for all.” With over 1.54 billion kids and youth out-of-school and younger individuals acutely feeling the affect of the COVID19 disaster, Guterres mentioned nations should do extra to harness the skills of younger individuals to deal with the disaster and its aftermath.

In presenting his first report on Security Council decision, the UN chief mentioned youth have been already confronting quite a few challenges even earlier than the pandemic, together with in accessing training, or by means of being affected by violence and battle. Those urgent for peace or upholding human rights have been threatened.

Despite these obstacles, younger individuals internationally have joined the widespread combat in opposition to the coronavirus illness, supporting each frontline staff and other people in want. And they proceed to push for change.

UN Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake spoke of the necessity for extra significant partnerships between younger individuals and the civil society organizations and authorities establishments that work on the youth, peace and safety (YPS) agenda.

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“To date, there are no national action plans on YPS but I’m pleased to note that in some countries, these are in the process of development,” she mentioned.

“For a national roadmap to be successful, a participatory, transparent and youth–led process with adequate resources are needed.” Issuing his four-point name to motion for the Council, Guterres urged members to do extra to deal with the assorted challenges going through younger individuals. He additionally referred to as for funding in youth participation, but in addition of their organizations and initiatives.

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“We must strengthen human rights protections and protect the civic space on which youth participation depends,” he mentioned. “And fourth, we must emerge from the COVID-19 crisis with a determination to recover better – massively increasing our investment in young people’s capacities as we deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.”