India Urges Canada To Take Measures Against Attacks On Religious Places And Hate Crimes

During a recent United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) review meeting in Geneva, India recommended that Canada enhance its legal framework to prevent the misuse of freedom of expression leading to violence, attacks on places of worship, and discrimination against racial minorities. KS Mohammed Hussain, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of India, presented these recommendations, emphasizing the need to address hate crimes and speeches.

While expressing gratitude for Canada's presentation of its national report on combating human trafficking, Hussain suggested constructive measures, including strengthening the domestic framework to prevent the misuse of freedom of expression for incitement of violence. He also urged Canada to take legislative and other measures to effectively prevent attacks on places of worship and to address hate crimes and hate speech.

In addition, India recommended that Canada work to eliminate structural discrimination against children from indigenous groups and address disparities in access to services for all children.

These recommendations coincide with a recent UN report criticizing Canada for "modern slavery" and expressing concerns about its foreign worker programs being a "breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery." The UN called on Canadian authorities to take further actions to protect workers, combat discrimination enabling exploitation, and provide a clear pathway to permanent residency for migrants.

Diplomatic tension between India and Canada has persisted since September when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau's recent remarks on the diplomatic ties, including criticisms of India's evacuation of Canadian diplomats, have further escalated the situation. The ongoing diplomatic strain follows Nijjar's murder in the Canadian province of British Columbia in June, with Trudeau's allegations against India exacerbating the rift.