‘Priyanka Chopra retains right to speak in her personal capacity’: UN denies Pak’s demand to drop actor as peace ambassador

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UNICEF goodwill ambassador Priyanka Chopra, who has been under intense criticism for her ‘Jai Hind’ tweet after India’s retaliatory attack on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, retains the right to speak in her personal capacity on issues concerning her, according to a UN spokesperson.

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 Priyanka.

“Their personal views or actions do not necessarily reflect those of UNICEF,” he said, adding, “When they speak on behalf of the UNICEF, we expect them to adhere to UNICEF’s evidence-based impartial positions.” About their role, he said: “The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors are prominent individuals who have agreed to generously volunteer their time and their public profile to promote children’s rights.”

Priyanka has been hit by a barrage of criticism and trolled ever since she tweeted on February 26, “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 Pakistan has intensified criticism of her after India rescinded the special status of Kashmir.