UNICEF goodwill ambassador Priyanka Chopra has been under intense criticism for her 'Jai Hind' tweet after India's retaliatory attack on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While Pakistan has been asking to drop her as peace ambassador, a UN spokesperson said she retains the right to speak in her personal capacity on issues concerning her.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said when UNICEF goodwill ambassadors "speak in their personal capacity, they retain the right to speak about issues that interest or concern them." He added, "their personal views or actions do not necessarily reflect those of UNICEF. When they speak on behalf of the UNICEF, we expect them to adhere to UNICEF's evidence-based impartial positions."
Elaborating on 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 faced a wave of criticism and flak since the tweet. Online petitions were called asking for her ouster from the ambassadorship and Pakistan intensified criticism of her after India rescinded the special status of Kashmir. Pakistan Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari wrote to UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore demanding Priyanka's removal as a goodwill ambassador accusing her of "jingoism and support" for the Indian armed forces.
She alleged that Priyanka showed "support for war, including a nuclear war," even though the actress had nowhere mentioned anything beyond the tweet. A Pakistani woman had recently heckled Priyanka at an event in Los Angeles earlier this month.
