UN experts warn Canada of Indian threats to activist Moninder Singh

Five United Nations special rapporteurs have written to the Canadian government expressing serious concern over credible threats to Moninder Singh, a Sikh activist who is a vocal critic of India. The experts say the threats may be part of a broader pattern of transnational repression by Indian authorities against Sikh activists abroad. They urged Canada to accelerate criminal investigations, strengthen protection for Singh and his family, and hold any perpetrators accountable.

Canadian police have issued four “duty‑to‑warn” notices to Singh since 2022, the latest issued shortly before his scheduled appearance before the UN Human Rights Council. The rapporteurs noted that no additional protective measures have been publicly reported. The World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomed the UN intervention, calling it an important acknowledgment of long‑standing concerns about intimidation of Sikh community members.

The UN letter asks Ottawa to answer a set of questions about how it is handling the case and to ensure that human‑rights defenders can operate without fear of intimidation or violence.