'Find equitable solutions': UN Human Rights calls for 'maximum restraint' on farmers' stir

As farmers' agitation against Centre's three contentious farm bills continues, United Nations Human Rights office on Friday called on Indian authorities and those protesting to exercise maximum restraint stating that it is crucial to find "equitable solutions" with due respect to human rights for all.  Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in a tweet underscored that rights to peaceful assembly and expression should be protected on both offline and online platforms.

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UN Human Rights issues a statement on farmers' protest

This statement issued by UN Human Rights office comes after International pop star Rihanna took to Twitter to share a news story by CNN on internet shutdown in several districts of Haryana after protestors broke barrices to enter New Delhi and clashed with Delhi Police in several parts of National Capital on January 26. Taking to Twitter, Rihanna wrote. "Why aren't we talking about this?" along with hashtag #FarmersProtest. 

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Besides Rihanna, or celebrities including teen environmentalist Greta Thunberg h also tweeted in solidarity with ongoing agitation. Greta Thunberg h written, "We stand in solidarity with #FarmersProtest in India. Reacting to this, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in its statement h said that government has passed farm laws "after a full debate and discussion" and has "initiated a series of talks" to dress farmers' issues. 

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MEA also asserted that protests must be seen in context of its democratic ethos and polity and before rushing to comment, one must ascertain facts and understand issues at hand, while also condemning celebrities, who have drawn attention to farmers' protest on social media. 

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