United Nations human rights specialists have called on Canada to speed up probes into reported threats against the life of a Sikh activist and his relatives. Five UN special rapporteurs expressed grave worries over credible dangers facing Moninder Singh, head of the Sikh Federation of Canada, including claims of an immediate risk to their safety. A nine-page communication from the UN Human Rights Office requested that Canadian officials examine the reports and bring those accountable to justice. The document, originally dispatched to Ottawa on June 3, was published two months later, with a copy also forwarded to India. Singh has spoken out against India’s human rights practices and backs the Khalistan movement seeking an independent Sikh homeland in Punjab. The specialists noted the alleged threats fit a larger pattern of cross-border pressure on Sikh campaigners. They voiced fears that Singh may have been singled out due to his work with UN bodies and his human rights advocacy. The message highlighted concerns that the targeting occurred around times of his cooperation with UN entities on issues involving Sikh activists. Such actions, if confirmed, could amount to illegal intimidation in response to his advocacy and engagement with UN mechanisms. Singh has frequently worked with the UN, including a visit to its Geneva base earlier in 2026 to seek global response to claims of actions against Sikh figures overseas. The rapporteurs are independent monitors appointed by the Human Rights Council to assess rights issues without representing the UN. The reports arise during continued strains between Canada and India linked to the 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Nijjar, labeled a terrorist by India, was shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey. The incident sparked a diplomatic rift in 2024 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited credible links to Indian involvement. Ties have eased under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Canadian police report no current evidence tying the Indian government to the death, with the case still active. British Columbia authorities have issued four warnings to Singh about threats to his life, starting in July 2022 alongside a similar notice to Nijjar. Additional alerts came in August 2023 and March 2025 after his UN appearances, plus one in February 2026 before another hearing. India has rejected any state role in threats or killings abroad. The UN experts pressed Canadian officials to pursue the investigations and apply suitable measures against those involved.
