UN experts raise alarm over threats to Canadian Sikh activist
The United Nations rights experts have called on Canada to use all available methods to protect Sikh activist Moninder Singh. They emphasized that he has been given four official 'duty to warn' notifications since 2022. These notifications regard specific and immediate dangers to his life. The notifications, issued by Canadian officials, highlight the urgent need for action. They highlight the urgent need to secure his safety.
In a detailed letter addressed to the Canadian government, five UN special rapporteurs highlighted 'concerning allegations of foreign intimidation and reprisals'. These allegations were made against Singh, a citizen of Canada. The letter insists that Canada must 'take all feasible measures at its disposal'. It states this to ensure the safety of Singh, his family, and others in similar situations. The experts also recommended a swift investigation into the claims. They recommended accountability for any responsible parties. They also suggested adequate remedies for victims. They also proposed steps to prevent such threats from recurring.
The letter, published in late July after being dated 3 June, was authored by UN special rapporteurs. These experts work on issues including protecting rights while countering terrorism. They also focus on freedom of peaceful assembly and human rights defenders. As independent appointees of the Human Rights Council, these experts operate without representing the entire UN organization. A duplicate of the letter was also shared with the Indian government.
Recently, Singh visited the UN in Geneva to request global intervention. He claims there are attempts by India to target Sikh activists in different countries. He also highlighted the issue of transnational repression. Singh, who is 44 years old, is part of a small faction advocating for the creation of a separate Sikh state. This state is known as Khalistan. The Khalistan movement has deep historical roots. It dates back to India's 1947 independence and has sparked conflicts. It includes the assassination of a prime minister and the bombing of a commercial plane.
India denies allegations of targeting activists
India has publicly rejected the accusations that it is targeting Sikh activists abroad. The rapporteurs expressed worries that Singh's threats are part of a 'broader pattern of transnational repression' by Indian authorities against Sikh individuals across multiple nations, including Canada. Singh responded to the letter, calling it a 'stark reminder' of the lengths the Indian government is willing to go to silence Sikh voices that are advocating for self-determination.
Singh further argued that when a foreign government feels it can use violence in Canada to suppress disagreement, it signals a serious failure to protect the safety and rights of affected communities. He reiterated his determination to continue his advocacy, stating that his work for Khalistan is founded on international law, human rights values, and the real-life experiences of his community.
Relations between India and Canada have fluctuated
The relationship between India and Canada has experienced changes following the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was a close friend of Singh. Canadian intelligence has suggested India was involved in this killing, an accusation that India strongly denies. The conflict caused a diplomatic setback, with both countries expelling numerous diplomats in 2024. However, the relationship started to improve when Mark Carney assumed the role of Canada's prime minister.
Carney's leadership resulted in a visit to India in March where a collection of trade agreements were signed, with Canadian officials minimizing the significance of previous threat assessments. The Khalistan movement, with its long history since India's 1947 independence, remains a point of contention between India and western nations that have substantial Sikh communities. The issues highlighted by the UN rapporteurs reflect ongoing tensions that have affected international relations and the safety of activists involved in this cause.