UN rapporteurs concerned India may be behind threats to Canadian activist

United Nations human rights experts have raised serious concerns that India may be behind threats targeting Moninder Singh, a Canadian Sikh activist known for his criticism of the Indian government. The five UN special rapporteurs wrote to Canadian authorities, urging them to accelerate their investigation into the alleged threats to Singh’s life. They expressed deep concern that these threats could represent part of a broader effort by Indian authorities to intimidate Sikh activists globally, including in Canada. Singh, based in Surrey, British Columbia, has been repeatedly warned by police about potential dangers to his life. Authorities have issued four separate warnings since 2022, each following credible reports of threats against him. These alerts were often linked to Singh’s activism, particularly his vocal opposition to human rights conditions in India and his support for the Khalistan separatist movement. The last warning came just two days before Singh was set to address the UN Human Rights Council in early 2026. The UN rapporteurs highlighted that Singh had spoken publicly to multiple UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council, and that some of the plots to kill him were detected by police around the time of these appearances. In one instance, Singh was warned of a potential assassination plot shortly after he participated in a session at the UN Human Rights Council. The letter from the rapporteurs stated that if these allegations are true, they could amount to unlawful intimidation and reprisals directed at Singh for his human rights work and collaboration with UN officials. The letter, which spans nine pages, called on Canadian authorities to take immediate steps to safeguard Singh and his family, intensify their investigation into the threats, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. It was signed by five UN human rights rapporteurs, Ben Saul, Gina Romero, Andrea Bolanos Vargas, George Katrougalos, and Nazila Ghanea, who operate under the mandate of the United Nations Human Rights Office. Singh himself has acknowledged the growing scrutiny surrounding his activism. In an interview with Global News, he expressed appreciation for the UN rapporteurs’ involvement but noted that the Canadian government had yet to respond formally to the letter. He suggested that India might be displeased with his efforts to expose human rights violations in the country through international platforms. “I think it’s a huge problem for them because they haven’t seen this type of activity for a long time from the Sikh community,” Singh said. The issue has drawn attention due to past incidents involving other Sikh activists in Canada. For example, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a fellow pro-Khalistan activist and former president of the Surrey temple, was assassinated in June 2023 while leaving the temple. Canadian authorities have long suspected that India played a role in the killing. Similarly, the FBI recently uncovered a plot by a member of India’s intelligence services to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, another prominent pro-Khalistan figure. These cases have fueled ongoing concerns about transnational repression and the risks faced by activists who speak out against the Indian government. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether Canadian authorities will take decisive action to protect Singh and investigate the threats more thoroughly. With no arrests made thus far, the case continues to raise difficult questions about the intersection of national security, human rights advocacy, and international diplomacy. The UN rapporteurs’ intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for continued vigilance.