Sunday, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to terrorism as an “affront to humanity” and urged the international community to maintain vigilance.
His words commemorated the inaugural “International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism when Conducive to Terrorism.”
The head of the United Nations described terrorism as an “affront to humanity because it destroys the ideals that unite us.”
Terrorism also threatens collaborative efforts to achieve peace and security, human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development, according to Guterres.
“We must be more watchful than ever before,” he warned, stressing that “terrorist and violent extremist groups are finding fertile ground on the internet to spread their virulent poison.”
He stated that white supremacist and neo-Nazi movements were becoming more dangerous by the day and now posed the greatest internal security threat in several nations, as well as the one with the most rapid growth.
“Countries must act to combat the threat through prevention and by tackling the fundamental causes of terrorism,” he continued.
He emphasized the significance of inclusivity and ensuring that counter-terrorism policies include a variety of viewpoints, including those of minorities, women, and youth.
affront to mankind
“Human rights must be the foundation of all anti-terrorism strategies,” he stressed.
“Today and every day, let’s strive together to build more peaceful, inclusive, and stable communities where terrorism and violent extremism have no home,” added the secretary general.
The United Nations General Assembly issued a resolution in December designating February 12 as “International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism” to increase awareness of the hazards associated with violent extremism.
The resolution “reiterated that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, or ethnic group.”
