India responded strongly to UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet over her remarka on press freedom.
United Nations:
India and few different Asian nations on Friday responded strongly to UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, who had expressed “alarm” at “clampdown on freedom of expression” within the international locations, saying the governments are targeted on making certain that treasured lives are usually not misplaced as a result of coronavirus pandemic and unfold of “harmful misinformation” represents a transparent hazard to public well being.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a press release on June three had mentioned that arrests for expressing discontent or allegedly spreading false data via the press and social media have been reported in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Michelle Bachelet had expressed “alarm” on the “clampdown on freedom of expression” in these Asia-Pacific nations throughout the COVID-19 disaster, saying any actions taken to cease the unfold of false data should be proportionate.
A joint press launch issued by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva and the Permanent Missions of Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights responded strongly to Bachelet’s remarks.
“We reiterate that the primary focus of our governments in these unprecedented times is to ensure that precious lives, particularly of the most vulnerable, are not lost to COVID-19. The OHCHR (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) needs to recognise this and play a responsible role in a manner that adds to rather than detracts from such efforts,” it mentioned.
The international locations mentioned the continued pandemic has already strained their assets and capabilities to the restrict.
“Our governments reiterate the view that the spread of harmful misinformation and falsehoods that guide segments of the public to disengage themselves from crucial, science-based information and policies enacted by relevant government agencies, thereby worsening the spread of COVID19, represents a clear and present danger to public health,” the assertion mentioned.
The international locations mentioned their governments have taken essential measures in accordance with their prevailing legal guidelines and rules to carry those that unfold misinformation and mislead the general public accountable for his or her irresponsible actions.
“These measures are carried out in accordance with the due process of law, while also safeguarding the freedom of expression, with the aim of curbing falsehoods that have harmed or have the potential to harm all sectors of society, during this pandemic,” the joint press launch mentioned.
Highlighting points from the person nations, Bachelet had mentioned in India, a number of journalists and at the least one physician have been charged for his or her public criticism of the authorities’ response to the COVID-19.
