Australia unveils measures to tackle rise of foreign fighters

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott delivers remarks during a national memorial service for the victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne August 7, 2014. REUTERS/Graham Denholm/Pool

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia unveiled counter-terrorism measures on Tuesday to prevent young people from becoming radicalised and going to fight in overseas conflicts such as Iraq and Syria, where scores of Australians have joined militant jihadist groups.

Along with the United States, Australia is leading a push for the United Nations to adopt international standards to deal with growing numbers of foreign fighters in Middle East conflicts and the threat they could pose when they return to their home countries.