Ottawa (December 10, 2016): World Sikh Organization of Canada President, Mukhbir Singh, issued the following statement today on International Human Rights Day:
“Today we mark International Human Rights Day. On this day in 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Canada can take pride that a Canadian, John Humphrey, drafted the Declaration, and our country remains a strong advocate for human rights internationally.
As Sikhs, we also take pride in our faith that affirmed freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the fundamental equality of all people over 500 years ago. In 1675, Guru Teg Bahadar, the Sikhs’ ninth Guru, sacrificed his life to preserve the religious freedoms of a non-Sikh community.
In 1984, WSO was founded on the principles of human rights, social justice, and the service of all people; and although there have been many accomplishments on this front, we also recognize that we must not become complacent. Much work remains both in Canada and across the globe to ensure human rights are protected- whether it is standing against xenophobia, racism, discrimination of any kind, or to ensure those responsible for human rights abuses such as the perpetrators of the 1984 Sikh genocide are brought to justice. Individuals who are facing discrimination regularly contact WSO and it is our privilege to serve as advocates for them.
On International Human Rights Day, we encourage everyone to recognize the selfless service of human rights advocates who fought to ensure we have our freedoms today, and to also commit to recognize and stand up against injustices that continue to take place.”