Report Reveals Sikhs Share Rights Issues Around the World

March 17, 2009

Author: Anju Kaur

Source: Sikh News Network

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A comprehensive report on the state of civil rights of the Sikh nation shows the scope of shared discrimination that Sikhs face around the world is greater than previously thought.

The ‘First Global Sikh Civil Rights Report 2008,’ released in December by United Sikhs at the first global civil rights conference in New York, documents issues in each of 24 countries. It includes lack of ratification as a separate religion, specifically in India, mischief in the justice system, police brutality, prison brutality, airport harassment, employment discrimination, unfair college admissions, school bullying and general intolerance.

“The focus was on Sikhs because a report like this one does not exist, and it is sorely needed to gauge the problems faced by a community without borders,” the report says. Its intent is “to inform civil rights NGOs (Non-governmental organizations), governmental agencies, law-makers and activist of the problems faced by the Sikh community, and of the impact post 9/11 restrictions have had for Sikhs.”