GENEVA: A group of independent United Nations human rights experts has urged Canada to take all possible measures to protect Sikh activist Moninder Singh after authorities warned him multiple times of credible threats to his life.
In a letter dated June 3 and released publicly this week under standard UN procedures, five independent experts expressed concern over foreign intimidation and reprisals targeting Singh, a Canadian citizen.
The letter noted that since 2022, Canadian authorities had issued him four “duty to warn” notices, informing him of credible and imminent threats.
The experts called on Canada to ensure the safety of Singh, his family and others facing similar risks, while urging authorities to accelerate investigations, hold those responsible accountable and prevent future incidents.
The communication was signed by the UN special rapporteurs on counter-terrorism and human rights, freedom of peaceful assembly, human rights defenders, freedom of religion, and the independent expert on promoting a democratic international order. A copy of the letter was also sent to the Indian government.
The issue gained international attention following the 2023 killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Then-prime minister Justin Trudeau publicly said Indian involvement in the assassination, leading to a sharp diplomatic dispute and reciprocal expulsions of diplomats in 2024.
Relations between the two countries have improved under Prime Minister Mark Carney, with both sides recently resuming high-level engagement and expanding economic cooperation.
Singh, who advocates for an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, welcomed the UN intervention, saying he would continue his campaign despite the threats.
He described the letter as an important acknowledgment of the security concerns faced by Sikh activists and reiterated his commitment to pursuing his advocacy through peaceful and lawful means.
