LONDON — The Sikh Federation (UK) has issued a formal statement outlining a renewed international diplomatic push to address alleged rights violations targeting the global Sikh community. According to the official release, a copy of which is available with Sikh Siyasat News (SSN), a comprehensive new report titled Beyond Borders: Indian transnational repression against the Sikh Diaspora was officially launched last week at the Geneva Press Club.
The launch of the report followed a specialized morning conference at the InterContinental Hotel titled, “Countering Indian Transnational Repression: Sikh Resistance and the United Nations.” Both events were organized jointly by the Baku Initiative Group and Sikh Federation International, strategically timed to coincide with the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Speakers and delegates during the launch of the report “Beyond Borders: Indian Transnational Repression Against the Sikh Diaspora” in Ganeva
According to the statement, a representative from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) attended the conference. Follow-up meetings have already been arranged with the OHCHR to discuss the report’s recommendations, specifically focusing on the UN’s role and broader policies concerning transnational repression.
Highlighting the scale of international diplomacy involved, Dabinderjit Singh, Lead Executive at the Sikh Federation (UK), noted the widespread diplomatic interest in the issue.
“Engagement commenced with over 25 permanent missions of various countries prior to the conference and press briefing as Indian transnational repression directly impacts on Sikhs living in their countries,” Singh stated.
The release specifies that this engagement included representatives from the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing nations—the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand—as well as multiple European countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and Portugal.
A primary objective outlined by the Sikh Federation International is to firmly establish the term “Indian Transnational Repression (ITR)” within the UN and broader international corridors.
According to Singh, the international response has been proactive. “Several permanent missions have been in contact and suggested a working group specifically focused on ITR should be set up supported by several leading international NGOs to take forward some of the recommendations in the report,” he said.
To build this coalition, the organization has commenced dialogue with several prominent intergovernmental bodies, inviting them to join the working group or act as observers. These include:
- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
- The European External Action Service (EEAS)
- The European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI)
Report Recommendations
The press statement outlines that the newly released report pushes for strict international measures. Key recommendations include:
- State Transparency: Calling for individual states to demonstrate transparency regarding instances of ITR within their borders.
- Accountability: Demanding full accountability for those—whether in India or operating in other countries—responsible for executing transnational repression.
- Sanctions and Consequences: Urging coordinated diplomatic and security consequences, including targeted sanctions, against India