NHRC’s counsel to protesters sparks anger
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was slammed by netizens on Thursday (August 20) for the comments it posted on Facebook about the ongoing protests.
Though NHRC’s opinion focused mainly on people’s rights, its comment that protesters should be reasonable with their demands and not illogical or biased sparked ire.
NHRC also said that the authorities should practice the “10 Principles for Proper Management of Assemblies” issued by the United Nations’ special rapporteur.
One of the principles says that the state should respect and ensure the rights of protesters, while another requires the state to facilitate the right to peaceful assembly.
The commission also urged the authorities to prepare safe zones for protesters as well as set up areas within campuses for students to assemble. It also urged both sides to have peaceful discussions and do away with hate speech.
However, many Facebook users reacted to NHRC’s post by saying its suggestions are so ridiculous that the commission should be dissolved.
Some netizens also said these suggestions were superficial and did not really support citizens’ rights and freedoms, while one called on NHRC to do its job and protect activists from intimidation.