The Canadian government has communicated with the United Nations expressing ongoing worry about the safety of Sikh activist Moninder Singh based in British Columbia, and it is actively countering credible threats from foreign entities against individuals on Canadian territory. This assurance follows a letter from five UN special rapporteurs to Canada in June, seeking responses and actions to prevent an imminent danger to Singh and his family. The UN rapporteurs requested an acceleration of investigations into the allegations, holding the perpetrators accountable, and information on Canada’s threat assessment and protective measures for all Sikhs in the country.
In response, Canada emphasized its serious approach towards all credible threats within its borders, particularly concerning Moninder Singh, his family, and his work, as well as the unfortunate death of his colleague, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The government stated it is actively working to detect, disrupt, and deter transnational repression, both online and offline, while enhancing protections and support for targeted individuals within Canada.
Regarding recent statements by the RCMP potentially contradicting previous allegations against India, the 2024 public statement by the RCMP warning of a threat from the Indian government was highlighted in the letter to the UN. Despite the lack of acknowledgment from the Indian government regarding Nijjar’s assassination in 2023 and other violent incidents in Canada, the letter also referenced a 2025 report from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service identifying India, China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan as major perpetrators of foreign interference against Canada.
Moninder Singh expressed his appreciation for Canada’s response to the UN, acknowledging the acknowledgment of India as a perpetrator of transnational repression and recognizing the ongoing threats against Sikh activists as a positive step forward. The federal government informed the UN that it continuously works to identify, assess, and address threats posed by foreign states, leveraging the full authorities of the CSIS Act when necessary to respond to reported threats. This includes investigating, advising, and disrupting threats against individuals in Canada, leading to the issuance of ‘duty to warn’ notifications to members of the South Asian community, specifically those associated with the pro-Khalistan movement.
Singh, who has received multiple ‘duty to warn’ letters, criticized the system for leaving individuals on their own after being warned of potential danger. He emphasized the need for the Canadian government to prevent foreign interference, intimidation, and violent activities on Canadian soil to ensure his safety. While specific details on the response to threats against Singh were not disclosed, Canada mentioned that the RCMP may take various measures beyond the duty to warn to protect individuals facing such threats. The government also highlighted its close collaboration with domestic and international security and intelligence partners to safeguard Canada’s Sikh community from foreign threats.