Fremont, California: In wake of security policies and societal situations that threaten the Sikh identity across the world, UNITED SIKHS launched the global “Protect Our Identity” campaign to actively advocate for Sikh Civil Rights issues at a global level at the Gurdwara Sahib in Fremont, California on August 8, 2010. Under the aegis of the campaign, the Sikh community across the world will unite to form a collective voice strongly advocating for rights that protect the Sikh identity and way of life.

Sikhs face an unprecedented attack on their identity and dignity. Sikhs are being racially profiled daily in domestic and international airports and they are arbitrarily being stripped of their dignity by having to remove their turbans at security checkpoints in many European countries. In Kashmir, Sikhs live in a constant state of intimidation and have received death threats to leave the valley. French schools continue to ban the Sikh turban and make it difficult for our children to receive an education.  In some parts of Europe (i.e. Belgium) Sikhs are fighting just to be recognized as a religion.  Finally, justice continues to be elusive for victims of 1984 as courts stall not only the process of vindication but also reconciliation.

A multi-national, multi-dimensional campaign, Protect Our Identity will focus on issues of importance to the global Sikh community such as Right to Turban, airport security in European Union and United States, Anti-Bullying Initiatives, Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pakistan, Equality in employment, Right to Kakaars, seeking recognition of Sikhs as a religion and ethnicity in UK and US Census, and raising awareness of Sikhs and Sikhism to reduce acts of violence and xenophobia against Sikhs.

The Protect Our Identity campaign is engaging in new initiatives seeking to confront emerging policies and practices globally that threaten the Sikh identity, and integrating existing projects that protect global Sikh civil and human rights.

Hansdeep Singh, Senior Staff Attorney at UNITED SIKHS says, “The campaign is a collective community voice against the onslaught of a movement toward religious suppression, the impact of which is most visible in Europe. This tide must be stemmed before the suppression of an external religious identity becomes an established norm in other parts of the world,” Hansdeep says. He adds, “Followers of Sikh values have been degraded, humiliated, and disparaged, and the external manifestation of the visible identity is treated with such contempt that it will only make it more difficult for the wearer to consistently endure this indignity.”

UNITED SIKHS Protect Our Identity Campaign Poster

Volunteers and UNITED SIKHS members across the Bay area are building teams to take the campaign to the Sikh community in several cities across the Bay area. So for our members and supporters in the Bay area, lookout for the “Protect Our Identity” campaign materials and presentations over the next few weeks and support the cause generously, both with your time and financially.

During the presentation at Fremont Gurdwara detailing the initiatives under Protect Our Identity, Loveleen Kaur, UNITED SIKHS volunteer implored the sangat to step up and support the campaign saying, “How do we as a community bring the compassion of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who made the ultimate sacrifices necessary to protect our identity?  If we don’t save our identity, all the Sikh religious institutions will be nothing but monuments to a brave and selfless people that once existed.  Just like blood is the life force for human beings, UNITED SIKHS needs a continuous stream of support through seva and funding in order to fulfill its mandate of serving mankind.”

SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF THE CAMPAIGN, IT BELONGS TO YOU!

The campaign is of the people, by the people, and will be spearheaded by dedicated volunteers from the community who will spread the rallying call of “Protect Our Identity” to members of their Sangat. The campaign is traveling to the United States East Coast and from there to different parts of the world. No matter where you are in the world, if you are passionate about the issues the campaign represents, and would like to contribute to the cause, volunteer with us, and be the leader in your community to talk about these issues and how they affects members in your Sangat. Join us by clicking here, and email us at law-global@unitedsikhs.org for any questions or concerns.

DONATE GENEROUSLY; WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

The Sikh community’s commitment to recovery efforts in Haiti personifies the Sikh principle of selfless service to humanity and earned us a mention in President Barack Obama’s address at the National Prayer Breakfast meeting. The Protect Our Identity campaign encompasses different initiatives that advocate for the community’s right to practice their religion freely.

We need support from community members like you to help us to carry forward those initiatives and our mission. We see that we now need to do even more but only if we have a dedicated support system, and know that we can count on monthly recurring donations. No amount is too small. Monthly donations of $10, $20, $40, $50 or $100 will help by supporting this cause to protect the Sikh identity with respect and dignity.

Donate to UNITED SIKHS by clicking here.  Volunteer for Protect Our Identity Campaign!

To see a previous press release detailing UNITED SIKHS’ advocacy work around the world, please visit: https://unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-25-12-2009-00.html

Issued by:
Kashmir Singh
Director
1-888-243-1690
law-global@unitedsikhs.org