UN rights talk about farm demonstrations, India hits back

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michele Bachelet on Friday criticized India for allegations of treason over journalists and activists for reporting or commenting on farmers’ protests, as they said that curbing freedom of expression on social media Such efforts for: “distracted departure” from essential human rights principles “. Bachelet, who has been vocal on human rights issues in India, also said that raids against human rights defenders in October and November emulate the restrictions on civil society and consequently affect the rights of the people of Kashmir. . Hours later, India responded on Friday and said it lacked “fairness and impartiality”. At the 46th session of the Human Rights Council, Bachelet – a former Chilean president – said that in India, protests by farmers highlight the importance of ensuring laws and policies that are based on meaningful consultation with the people concerned. “I am confident that the ongoing dialogue efforts between the two sides will lead to an equal solution to this crisis which respects the rights of all. Treason charges against journalists and activists for reporting or commenting on protests and efforts to curb freedom of expression on social media are disturbing the departure from essential human rights principles. “India’s permanent representative to the UNHRC in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey, responded and said that farm laws would benefit small farmers and provide more options to farmers who opt for them. He said that the government has shown utmost respect for the protests by the farmers and is engaged in talks with them to address their concerns. “Looking at these developments, we were distraught to notice some comments… The unprovoked violence on our Republic Day in the name of farmers’ rights was, of course, abandoned … Fairness and impartiality is the hallmark of any human rights assessment.” is. We are sorry to see that the High Commissioner’s verbal update lacks both, ”the Indian envoy said. .