UN rapporteurs concerned India may be behind threats to Canadian activist

United Nations human rights experts are pressing Canada to expedite its investigation into threats against a British Columbia-based Sikh activist who has been critical of the Indian government. Five UN special rapporteurs have formally communicated their "serious concerns" to Ottawa regarding the safety of Moninder Singh, whom Canadian police have previously warned is at risk.

The joint letter suggests these threats could represent an effort by India to silence Singh due to his advocacy and collaboration with UN bodies. The rapporteurs stated, "We are concerned that such threats fall within a broader pattern of transnational repression by Indian authorities against Sikh activists in different countries, including Canada." The document, released by the UN Human Rights Office, includes a list of questions for Canada concerning its handling of the matter.

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We are concerned that such threats fall within a broader pattern of transnational repression by Indian authorities against Sikh activists in different countries, including Canada.

According to the letter, Singh has delivered speeches to UN agencies, and police detected alleged plots against him that coincided with these appearances. "We are deeply concerned at the allegations that Mr. Moninder Singh appears to have been targeted directly before or after instances of cooperation with or reporting to United Nations entities in relation to the targeting of Sikh activists by Indian authorities," the letter reads. It adds that such actions, if true, could constitute unlawful intimidation and reprisals for his human rights advocacy.

The rapporteurs urged Canadian authorities to protect Singh and his family, intensify investigations, and hold those responsible accountable. The letter was signed by rapporteurs Ben Saul, Gina Romero, Andrea Bolanos Vargas, George Katrougalos, and Nazila Ghanea. Global Affairs Canada referred inquiries to Public Safety Canada, which has not yet responded. Singh, leader of the Sikh Federation of Canada, is a vocal critic of human rights in India and supports the Khalistan separatist movement. Police have issued multiple life-threat warnings to Singh, including one in July 2022, shortly before his close associate Hardeep Singh Nijjar, also a pro-Khalistan activist, received a similar warning. Nijjar was assassinated on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, an event Canadian authorities suspect India was involved in.

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We are deeply concerned at the allegations that Mr. Moninder Singh appears to have been targeted directly before or after instances of cooperation with or reporting to United Nations entities in relation to the targeting of Sikh activists by Indian authorities.