UN expresses its concern regarding situation with freedom of expression in Ukraine – 112 International

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is concerned about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to impose sanctions on 112 Ukraine, NewsOne, and ZIK TV channels and its potential consequences for the freedom of expression in the country. This was stated by the official representative of the OHCHR Marta Hurtado, TASS reports.

"This decision has led to the immediate revocation of broadcasting licenses for these channels and the cessation of their broadcasting activities. OHCHR is concerned that this will affect the freedom of expression in Ukraine," she said.

The official recalled that "the states have a duty to protect and ensure the right to freedom of expression, including the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas."

"We are currently assessing the compliance of this decision with the international human rights law," noted the representative.

As Hurtado explained: "a key concern of OHCHR is related to the need for and proportionality of restrictions on freedom of expression in Ukraine."

As we reported earlier, on February 2, VolodymyrZelensky signed a decree on sanctions against 112 Ukraine, NewsONE, and ZiK TV channels.

By this decree, he enforced the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on sanctions on the cancellation of the broadcasting licenses of theTV channels belonging to Taras Kozak(112 Ukraine, NewsOne, ZIK).

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UN expresses its concern regarding situation with freedom of expression in Ukraine - 112 International