State Resources for Victims of Transnational Repression

OTTAWA, CANADA — UNITED SIKHS expresses unwavering support for the ongoing investigation by Canadian authorities into the alleged assassination of Mr. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent Sikh Civil Rights Activist, on Canadian soil.

We urge all members of the Sikh community to remain calm, united, vigilant, and report any potential transnational threats or suspicious activities to your local authorities. If required, utilize below-mentioned U.S. Department of State resources, available in Punjabi as well. 

We firmly uphold the principles of sovereignty and the rule of law on an international scale, and we trust that Canadian authorities will conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into this matter. 

“Upon the completion of the investigation, we hope that the Canadian government will not only hold the suspected individuals accountable but also utilize existing international legal tools of national protection which is available under international law to seek appropriate redress on behalf of Mr. Nijjar for the injury caused by an internationally wrongful act under the legal framework of State Responsibility,” states Dr. Henok Gabisa, an international law expert who directs UNITED SIKHS’ International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) program.

Speaking to the resources available to the community during these challenging times, Bhupinder Kaur, UMEED helpline Manager, states, “UNITED SIKHS is here to support you. We offer resources and assistance to those who may feel vulnerable or in need of guidance during this period. We encourage you to reach out to us through our UMEED Helpline 24/7 or visit our website, where you can find valuable information and resources to protect your rights and well-being.”

Additionally, those in the United States can access the Department of Homeland Security’s community resources on what to do if you are a victim of transnational threats, which includes information in Punjabi on dealing with such threats. 

• Federal Bureau of Investigation Transnational Repression website (overview of issue, includes info on related prosecutions to date): https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression 
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Threat Intimidation Guide (explains resources, translated into 65+ languages): https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/threat-intimidation-guide 
• Threat Intimidation Guide – Punjabi: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/threat-intimidation-guide-eastern-punjabi-031023-1.pdf/view

For more information or to access resources, please visit our website at www.unitedsikhs.org or contact our helpline at 1-855-878-6333. We remain grateful to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State for working with us in making these resources available.

Dr. Henok Gabisa
Director, International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA)
UNITED SIKHS