Stating that they uphold the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of opinion and expression, NHRC Chief Kedar Nath Upadhyay and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Robert Piper have urged the organizers of the banda to guarantee the freedom of movement for ambulances and the transport of essential medical supplies and food. [break]
“Humanitarian access must be guaranteed under all circumstances in all parts of the country,” said Piper in the joint statement with Upadhyay on Thursday.
The national human rights watchdog and the UN´s call comes at a time when the districts in far-west region are reeling under shortage of medicine, food, oxygen and other essentials goods due to the indefinite strike that has entered 12th day on Thursday.
Upadhyay and Piper have also expressed their deep concern over rising tensions resulting in clashes between the police and the demonstrators. The clashes in different parts of the country have left several people with serious injuries.
Upadhyay and Piper have urged law enforcing agencies to exercise restraint while policing areas in which banda and protests are taking place. “Professional policing can play an important role to prevent tensions between protesting groups from further escalating,” said NHRC Chairman Upadhyay.
The NHRC and the UN urged all parties to uphold human rights and take necessary practical steps to avoid violence during the period of heightened protests, the joint statement said.
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