The Canadian government has communicated with the United Nations expressing ongoing concern regarding the safety of Sikh activist Moninder Singh based in British Columbia and has taken measures to counter any credible threats from foreign entities targeting individuals on Canadian soil. This action follows inquiries from five UN special rapporteurs in June seeking information and urging preventative actions to address what they deemed a pressing danger to Singh and his family.
Apart from requesting expedited investigations and accountability for offenders, the rapporteurs sought clarification on Canada’s threat assessment, actions taken, and safeguards for the Sikh community nationwide. The government’s response underscored its commitment to addressing all valid threats within its borders and expressed deep worry over the risks faced by Moninder Singh, his family, and his advocacy, as well as the loss of his associate, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada affirmed its proactive stance in detecting, thwarting, and discouraging transnational repression, both online and offline, and enhancing protection for those targeted within the country. A significant component of this strategy included a 2024 public statement by the RCMP warning about a threat posed by the Indian government, identified through law enforcement probes. However, recent RCMP statements have generated contrasting interpretations regarding the allegations made against India in the 2024 alert.
The letter to the UN referenced the 2024 RCMP statement and a 2025 Canadian Security Intelligence Service report pinpointing India, China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan as the primary culprits of foreign interference against Canada. Moninder Singh commended Canada’s response to the UN, highlighting the acknowledgment of India’s involvement in transnational repression and ongoing threats to Sikh activists as a crucial positive development.
In addressing concerns related to operational matters and ongoing investigations, Canada assured the UN of its continuous efforts to identify, evaluate, and mitigate threats posed by foreign states. The government acknowledged foreign states’ tendencies to intimidate, harass, and harm individuals in Canada and their overseas relatives but emphasized its commitment to leveraging the CSIS Act’s full authorities when informed of threats.
Canada disclosed that the RCMP and law enforcement partners jointly identified several credible and imminent life-threatening situations, prompting the issuance of “duty to warn” notifications to South Asian community members, particularly those associated with the pro-Khalistan movement. Moninder Singh has received multiple “duty to warn” alerts, with the most recent issued in February 2026 amidst diplomatic normalization efforts with India.
Moninder Singh expressed criticism of the duty-to-warn system, citing its limitations in providing ongoing protection post-warning. He clarified that he does not seek a private security detail but rather relies on the Canadian government to prevent foreign interference, intimidation, and violent activities on Canadian territory to ensure his and his family’s safety.
While specific details on the response to the threat against Singh were not disclosed, Canada emphasized potential RCMP actions beyond duty to warn to safeguard individuals facing such risks. In safeguarding the Sikh community from external threats, Canada affirmed its close collaboration with domestic and international security and intelligence partners.
