A group of independent United Nations human rights experts has urged the Canadian government to increase protective measures for Sikh activist Moninder Singh, following repeated warnings from Canadian authorities about credible threats to his life. The experts expressed serious concern over allegations of foreign intimidation and reprisals against Singh, a Canadian national.
Since 2022, Singh has received four "duty to warn" notices from Canadian authorities, indicating imminent threats to his safety. The UN experts, in a letter dated June 3 and made public recently, have called on Ottawa to take all feasible measures to protect Singh and his family, as well as other individuals in Canada facing similar risks. They also emphasized the need to expedite investigations into these allegations, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent future occurrences.
The UN experts' appeal underscores a broader pattern of transnational repression against Sikh activists in various countries, including Canada. This issue has previously strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India. The UN special rapporteurs involved in this communication are appointed by the Human Rights Council in an independent capacity and do not speak for the United Nations as an institution. A copy of the letter has been shared with the Indian government.
