UN experts urge Canada to protect Sikh Activist

United Nations human rights experts have called on Canada to strengthen security measures for Sikh activist

United Nations human rights experts have called on Canada to strengthen security measures for Sikh activist Moninder Singh, citing repeated warnings from Canadian authorities about credible threats to his life.

In a letter sent to the Canadian government on June 3 and released publicly under standard UN procedures, five independent experts expressed concern over allegations of foreign intimidation and reprisals targeting Singh, a Canadian citizen.

The experts noted that since 2022, Canadian authorities have issued Singh four separate “duty to warn” notices, informing him of serious and imminent threats to his safety. They urged Ottawa to ensure his protection, safeguard his family, and provide security for others facing similar risks.

The letter also called on Canadian authorities to speed up investigations, hold those responsible accountable, provide justice to victims, and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The appeal was signed by UN special rapporteurs responsible for issues related to counterterrorism and human rights, freedom of peaceful assembly, human rights defenders, freedom of religion, and democratic international order. A copy of the communication was also shared with the Indian government.

Singh visited Geneva earlier this year to seek international attention over what he described as the targeting of Sikh activists abroad and the broader issue of transnational repression.

The case comes amid longstanding tensions between Canada and India following the 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near a Sikh temple in British Columbia. Canadian authorities alleged Indian involvement in the assassination, an accusation New Delhi has consistently denied.

The dispute strained diplomatic relations, leading both countries to expel diplomats in 2024. Although bilateral ties have improved under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, concerns over the safety of Sikh activists continue to draw international attention.

Singh, who supports the Khalistan movement advocating for an independent Sikh homeland, said the UN experts’ intervention highlights growing concerns over the safety of Sikh voices abroad.