Covid has increased recruitment of children by terror groups, says Foreign Secretary Shringla at UNSC

Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has expressed worry over the trend in “global terrorism” that shows an increase in the number of children that are being recruited and involved in terrorism-related activities. The Foreign Secretary's comments came during an address at the ‘UNSC Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict’.

India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla joined the ‘UNSC Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict’ virtually on Monday where he drew the world body’s attention to the “negative” impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the situation of children in armed conflict. “The Covid-19 pandemic has further negatively impacted children in situations of armed conflict, including by hampering their access to education, health and social services. It has made them susceptible to grave violations, particularly through recruitment and abduction,” Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla said.