India reacted strongly to UN human rights officer Michelle Bachelet about her remarks on press freedom.
The United Nations:
India and a few other Asian countries reacted strongly on Friday to UN human rights officer Michelle Bachelet, who expressed “concern” over the “crackdown on freedom of expression” in the media. countries, claiming that governments are focused on ensuring that precious lives are not lost due to the coronavirus pandemic and the spread of “false harmful information” is an obvious public health threat.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement on June 3, said that arrests for expressing dissatisfaction or allegedly disseminating false information by the press and social media had been reported to the Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Nepal. , the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Michelle Bachelet had expressed “concern” over the “crackdown on freedom of expression” in these Asia-Pacific countries during the COVID-19 crisis, saying that any measure taken to stop the spread of false information should be proportionate .
A joint press release issued by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva and the Permanent Missions of Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights The man responded quickly to Bachelet’s remarks.
“We reaffirm that the primary objective of our governments in these unprecedented times is to ensure that precious lives, especially of the most vulnerable, are not lost for COVID-19. OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner human rights) must recognize this and play a responsible role in a way that reinforces rather than undermines these efforts, “he said.
Countries have said that the current pandemic has already strained their resources and capacities.
“Our governments reiterate the view that the spread of false information and harmful falsehoods that induce segments of the public to disengage crucial science-based information and policies promulgated by relevant government agencies, thereby further compounding the spread of COVID19 , represents a clear and present phenomenon, danger to public health, “the statement said.
Countries have stated that their governments have taken the necessary measures in accordance with their applicable laws and regulations to hold those who disseminate false information and hold the public accountable for their irresponsible actions.
“These measures are implemented in accordance with the law, while preserving freedom of expression, with the aim of combating the lies that have harmed or may harm all sectors of society, during this pandemic”, said the statement. press release said.
Highlighting the problems of different nations, Bachelet said in India that several journalists and at least one doctor have been accused of publicly criticizing the authorities’ response to COVID-19.
