Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a daily briefing, said regarding Unicef goodwill ambassadors, that they can “speak in their personal capacity, they retain the right to speak about issues that interest or concern them.”
“Their personal views or actions do not necessarily reflect those of Unicef,” the spokesperson said. He also said that, “When they speak on behalf of the Unicef, we expect them to adhere to Unicef’s evidence-based impartial positions.”
Elaborating further on the issue, the spokesperson said that Unicef ambassadors are selected from among prominent individuals who agree to volunteer their time and public profile to highlight issues related to children’s rights.”
Chopra has faced intense criticism after her February 26 tweet in which she praised the Indian armed forces. Thereafter, she has been excessively trolled on social media platforms and online petitions calling for her ouster from Unicef ambassadorship were launched.
Minister of Human Rights Shireen Mazari recently wrote a letter to Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore with the request to remove Chopra from the goodwill ambassador position.
In the letter she accused the Indian actress of “jingoism” and for blatantly supporting the Indian armed forces involved in human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir.
The letter further stated that Chopra showed outright support for conventional and nuclear war. It also stated that, “Unless she is removed immediately, the very idea of a Goodwill Ambassador for Peace becomes a mockery globally.”