Following increasing evidence of the Indian government’s targeting of Sikh activists outside India through transnational repression a number of formal complaints were made to the UN Human Rights Council.  

We helped lodge the first compliant by Sikh organisations in Europe on 12 October 2023 after the Canadian Prime Minister publicly made an allegation against the Indian Government.  A substantive submission was made by our sister organisation Sikh Federation (Canada) on behalf of the family of Canadian Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Five independent experts or UN Special Rapporteurs collectively wrote to the Indian government on the 19th of November 2024 regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on 18 June 2023 and credible threats to life, intimidation and harassment against other Sikhs activists outside India.  

The 19 November 2024 16-page communication with the Indian government that has just been made public stated: “We are concerned that these allegations are part of a pattern of transnational repression of Sikh activists in multiple countries.” 

They jointly urged the Indian government “to refrain from directly or indirectly committing any acts of transnational repression and to ensure that all such acts are independently and impartially investigated and promptly and effectively prosecuted.”  

Based on the evidence available the UN Special Rapporteurs accused the Indian government of violating numerous international laws, including the right to life, violating the sovereignty of other nations and attempting to silence Sikh political activism.  The 16-page communication also condemns the misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Hardeep Singh Nijjar.  

The UN Special Rapporteurs also raised concerns about the designation of Sikhs for Justice as a “unlawful association” under UAPA.  In May 2020, nine Special Rapporteurs wrote to the Indian government criticising UAPA.  In a damning indictment nearly five years later no reply has been received from the Indian government to that communication.

The latest communication also states: “We note that attacks on freedom of expression abroad contribute to the hostile environment in Punjab . . . the exercise of freedom of opinion and expression . . . and the right of Sikh activists in Punjab to peaceful assembly and association.”

The UN Special Rapporteurs gave the Indian government 60 days to respond by providing additional information or explanations.  The formal response from the Indian Government came on 3 January 2025 and has just been made public.

 It shockingly accuses the independent Special Rapporteurs of bias and a strong preconceived hostility towards India, its sovereignty and its integrity.  The Indian government is clearly upset accusing the UN Special Rapporteurs of supporting a Sikh separatist agenda. 

Dabinderjit Singh, the Sikh Federation’s Lead Executive for political engagement said:

“The response from the Indian government and its accusations against the independent UN Special Rapporteurs are outrageous.  The US and Canadian governments that were copied the 19 November communication in particular will have taken serious note.” 

This is not the first time the Indian government has been criticised for human rights violations, but this is about their illegal and criminal activities abroad targeting Sikh activists.”

Eight UN Special Rapporteurs called out India in March 2021 for severe restrictions to fundamental freedoms in the context of the “farmers protests” with a specific focus on Sikh protesters from Punjab.”

He added:  “The UN communication stated farmers were accused of having a pro-Khalistan (independent Sikh state) agenda and India’s National Investigation Agency took action against farmers leaders, activists and journalists on this basis.” 

Reference was also made in the UN communication to the trope “Repeat 1984″ that was spread on social media by Hindu nationalists.”

Governments across the globe should take note of communications by UN Special Rapporteurs about human rights violations targeting Sikhs in India and abroad, including this latest absurd response from the Government of India that should get a robust response from the Five Eyes nations and their Western allies.”