Poverty, Inequality Fueling Extremism- UN Chief

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has said that poverty, inequality and exclusion are fueling terrorism, which is posing a complex and constant threat to peace and security.

Guterres made this known at the opening of the UN Third Counter-Terrorism week on Monday in New York.

Addressing the delegates “at the forefront of a great global effort”, Guterres stressed that terrorism affects every region of the world, while preying on local and national vulnerabilities.

“Poverty, inequalities and social exclusion give terrorism fuel.

“Prejudice and discrimination targeting specific groups, cultures, religions and ethnicities give it flame,” the UN chief said.

He added that criminal activities like money laundering, illegal mining, and the trafficking of arms, drugs, stolen artifacts and human beings, help fill terrorist coffers.

Since terrorism festers in complex crises with no region immune, the response to the threat needs to be multilateral and coordinated, said Guterres – citing some key UN tools that can help combat the scourge.

The UN is helping regional organizations like the African Union, working closely with civil society including victims of terrorism, religious leaders, women and young people, to shape counter-terrorism responses, policies and programmes.

He said there were four priority areas where the counter-terrorism community should direct its efforts.

Firstly, he said the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy needed strengthening. This week, the General Assembly is expected to adopt by consensus a resolution reviewing the Strategy.