New Delhi: While updating the ongoing 46th session of the UNHRC in Geneva on Human Rights issues in more than 50 countries, High Commissioner of UN Human Rights Council Michelle Bachelet expressed criticism against Indian authority and said, “Charges of sedition against journalists and activists for reporting or commenting on the protests, and attempts to curb freedom of expression on social media, are disturbing departures from essential human rights principles”.
She reiterated that the ongoing dialogue efforts by both sides (the Indian Government and the stakeholders) will lead to an equitable solution to this crisis that respects the rights of all.
Since November 26 last year, farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital, demanding to turn down the three newly enacted farm laws. Many international celebrities, activists, lawmakers, political leaders have shown support to the farmers’ protest and had criticized the government’s ways of handling the crisis.
Further, the UNHRC chief said that the Human Rights Council continues to monitor the situation in Indian -administered Kashmir, where restrictions on communications, and clampdowns on civil society activists, remain of concern.
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“Despite the recent restoration of 4G access for mobile phones, the communications blockade has seriously hampered civic participation, as well as business, livelihoods, education, and access to healthcare and medical information.”, she added.
The chief pointed out that raids against human rights defenders in October and November exemplify the continued restrictions on civil society, and the resulting impact on the rights of the people of Kashmir to impart and receive information, and to engage in free, open debate on Government policies affecting them.