Participants of Sikh Conference adopt final statement
Geneva, March 13, AZERTAC
Participants of the international conference on “Countering Indian Transnational Repression: Sikh Resistance and the United Nations” have adopted a final statement on the outcomes of the conference.
The statement reads: “Participants of the conference entitled "Countering Indian Transnational Repression: Sikh Resistance and the United Nations" express their serious concern over the growing pattern of transnational repression targeting Sikh activists, human rights defenders, and members of the Sikh diaspora in various countries.
Participants note with concern documented examples of repression through various forms, including covert surveillance, intimidation, harassment, disinformation campaigns, and acts of violence directed against Sikh individuals and organizations abroad. Such practices, when carried out across borders, constitute a serious violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms and undermine the principles of international law as well as the sovereignty of states in which diaspora communities reside.
Participants further express concern that following the killing of Sikh activist, Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, reports indicate that pressure, intimidation, and other forms of harassment against Sikh activists by the Government of India have continued, particularly in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and multiple European countries like Italy, Belgium and Germany. These violations raise serious concerns regarding the safety of Sikh diaspora communities and the respect for international legal norms.
The Baku Initiative Group reiterates its support for the legitimate and lawful struggle of the Sikh people to protect their fundamental rights, freedoms, and identity. The Baku Initiative Group also emphasizes the importance of raising issues of transnational repression within international institutions and ensuring that such activities are subjected to appropriate international oversight and investigation.
The participants of today's conference called upon the United Nations, its relevant human rights mechanisms, and the international community to:
Closely monitor and examine cases of transnational repression targeting Sikh activists and diaspora communities;
Promote accountability and transparency in cases involving intimidation, threats, harassment, or violence carried out beyond national borders;
Strengthen international protections for diaspora communities, human rights defenders, and political activists.
In particular, Baku Initiative Group and Sikh Federation International call on the international community, as well as relevant international organizations, including the UN and its other relevant bodies such as UNHRC, the UN Special Rapporteurs on human rights defenders, minority issues and others to take meaningful steps to hold perpetrators of violence to account. Given the severity of the allegations, both organizations call on UN to launch an independent investigation into India's attacks in order to clarify the chain of command behind these operations, assess violations of international law, and identify appropriate accountability and prevention mechanisms.
The participants reaffirm their commitment to continued engagement within international forums in order to raise awareness of these issues and to contribute to ensuring the rights of Sikhs and other communities in India.”
Vugar Seyidov
Special correspondent
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