Expressing their concerns in an open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, the coalition highlighted that Canada’s diplomatic and trade interactions with India have not adequately addressed what they consider to be serious human rights issues
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been urged by a coalition of Canadian civil society groups, human rights organizations, and faith communities to address alleged human rights violations in India. The groups have called on Trudeau to use diplomatic means to respond to what they view as “systematic discrimination and violence” against vulnerable minorities within India.
Expressing their concerns in an open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, the coalition highlighted that Canada’s diplomatic and trade interactions with India have not adequately addressed what they consider to be serious human rights issues. The letter stressed that the Canadian government holds both a legal and moral responsibility to vocalize these concerns and encourage the Indian government, specifically the BJP government, to uphold its international obligations and safeguard the rights of all its citizens.
On August 20, a demonstration involving more than a hundred protesters from various Canadian cities took place in Ottawa. These demonstrators convened to draw attention to the pressing need to address human rights violations in India and counteract the perceived rise of extremist ideologies associated with Hindutva, both within India and in Canada.
A statement issued by the organizers highlighted the protest’s intent to foster a reminder that protecting such values necessitates collaboration and sustained advocacy
The protesters gathered at Parliament Hill and later proceeded to the Prime Minister’s Office, where they symbolically delivered a joint letter endorsed by more than 80 organizations. Notable among the endorsing groups were the South Asian Diaspora Action Collective, South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy, Alternatives International, Canadian Council of Indian Muslims, Hindus for Human Rights—Canada, Indian Civil Watch International, International Council of Indian Muslims, Justice for All Canada, and SADAN – South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network- Canada, among others. This protest was organized by a coalition of 20 diaspora organizations and diverse community partners representing different regions of Canada.
The event underscored the message that concerns about the rights of minority groups and the principle of equality transcend national boundaries. It emphasized that collective action remains a crucial tool in safeguarding these fundamental values, reinforcing the importance of unified efforts to address human rights concerns both domestically and abroad. A statement issued by the organizers highlighted the protest’s intent to foster a reminder that protecting such values necessitates collaboration and sustained advocacy.