Priyanka Chopra Jonas Supported By UNICEF For Her Statements
Mumbai: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who has been under intense criticism for a tweet cheering the Indian armed forces, retains the right to speak in her personal capacity on issues concerning her, according to a UN spokesperson.
Chopra has been hit by a barrage of criticism and trolled ever since she tweeted on February 26, a simple statement, “Jai Hind #IndianArmedForces,” followed by emojis of the Indian flag and namaste.
Online petitions calling for her ouster from the ambassadorship were launched soon after have gathered thousands of signatures.
Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari wrote this week to UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore demanding Chopra’s removal as a Goodwill Ambassador accusing her of ‘jingoism and support’ for the Indian armed forces.
When UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors “speak in their personal capacity, they retain the right to speak about issues that interest or concern them,” Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said at his daily briefing on Thursday in answer to a question about Chopra.
“Their personal views or actions do not necessarily reflect those of UNICEF,” he added.
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