I am thrilled to announce the ICHRA Updates! Through this newsletter, we aim to keep you informed about the latest developments in civil and human rights advocacy efforts undertaken by UNITED SIKHS. From legal victories to community empowerment initiatives, this newsletter will provide you with insights into the impactful work being done by our dedicated team.
As we navigate through an ever-changing landscape of challenges and opportunities, your support remains invaluable to us. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities in need.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our cause.
Sincerely,
Gurpreet Singh
CEO, UNITED SIKHS
Message from ICHRA Director
Dear Supporters,
I am excited to introduce the inaugural edition of the ICHRA Updates newsletter! As the Director of the International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) at UNITED SIKHS, it is my privilege to spearhead our efforts in advancing the cause of justice and equality worldwide.
Through this newsletter, we endeavor to provide you with timely updates on our advocacy campaigns, legal battles, and community outreach initiatives. From defending the rights of marginalized communities to raising awareness about pressing human rights issues, the ICHRA Updates newsletter will serve as a platform for sharing our progress and engaging with supporters like you.
As we embark on this journey together, I am grateful for your continued support and solidarity. Your commitment to the values of justice, equality, and compassion inspires us every day as we work towards creating a more just and inclusive world for all.
Thank you for joining us in this important mission.
Warm regards,
Dr. Henok Gabisa
Director, International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA), UNITED SIKHS
Updates
NEW YORK CITY —In a series of significant meetings held recently, UNITED SIKHS took major steps towards addressing public safety concerns and transnational repression issues affecting Sikhs living in New York City and throughout the United States. We highlight some of them below:
NEW YORK CITY —In a series of significant meetings held recently, UNITED SIKHS took major steps towards addressing public safety concerns and transnational repression issues affecting Sikhs living in New York City and throughout the United States. We highlight some of them below:
In a crucial meeting, UNITED SIKHS delegates engaged with NYC City Assembly Speaker Adrianne Adams to address the pressing public safety concerns and the alarming rise in hate crimes against Sikhs in New York City. This meeting followsa our successful Town Hall event in November 2023, where we brought together the Queens Borough President, the Police Chief, and the Queens District Attorney's Office to discuss these critical issues.
UNITED SIKHS also met with the FBI Field Office in New York to address concerns related to transnational repression. Sikhs activists and leaders across the United States and Canada have been living in fear of attacks directed at them from foreign land due to differences in their political opinions and civil rights activism.
In addition to these critical meetings, UNITED SIKHS announced in December 2023 the launch of a working group consisting of several Sikh organizations across the United States. This working group has been formed with a consensus and a mandate to advocate for the codification of the Transnational Repression Policy Act, which is currently on Congress's agenda. UNITED SIKHS is committed to leading similar efforts at the State level to ensure that our community can live in peace without the constant fear of repression from foreign entities.
You can reach out to us to seek support related to travel issues. Here is a testimony from someone who received assistance from our ICHRA team.
“Recently I was denied renewing my Nexus membership, a membership that I have held for several years now. Also, privilege I am entitled to as a Canadian citizen. After speaking with the members of UNITED SIKHS, I learned that they could be of help in reinstating my membership through the process. The team was empathetic to my situation and provided me with up-to-date information regarding the process. I’m grateful to the team that took the opportunity to help me and others in similar situations.”
Have you ever been a victim due to your Sikh identity? Have you ever faced harassment for wearing your articles of faith? Have you ever been told to “go back to your country”? Has your child been a victim of bullying due to their patka or kesh? Has your employer treated you differently due to your religious identity?
Please take our quick survey so we may better serve the Sikh community and assure no one is deprived of an opportunity to report incidents against them or their loved ones devoid of a fair chance for justice.
Participate in the Global Civil Rights Survey here.
ICHRA in Canada
We wrote a letter to the Peel Regional Police seeking immediate action against the misrepresentation of Sikh Identity and Respect for Cultural Sensitivities in Police Communications.
